Exciting Career Opportunity with Ipswich Borough Council’s Thriving and Expanding Planning Department!

Join a team that’s on the move! Ipswich Borough Council’s Planning Department is on an exciting expansion journey, and we’re looking for a dynamic, ambitious Senior Planner to join our Special Projects team.

You’ll be at the forefront of transformative, large-scale planning applications and projects. Currently, our main focus is on the Ipswich Garden Suburb – a massive sustainable urban extension of 3,500 homes. The masterplan is ready, and we’ve already secured permissions for over half the houses. We’re even in the construction phase. In addition, new, large and interesting projects are in the pipeline and due to come our way for a variety of schemes ranging from high density urban developments within our impressive Waterfront area, new sport facilities and edge of town strategic housing allocation. This is your chance to make your mark and be a pivotal part of this extraordinary development journey for Ipswich.

Ipswich is one of the fastest growing regional centres in England, thousands of homes and jobs are planned for the area and a strong focus on regenerating the historic town centre and Waterfront. Ipswich is the largest centre in Suffolk for business, culture, entertainment and sports. A university town with a rich history and heritage and a thriving Waterfront. Backed by successful Towns Fund bids there are a wealth of exciting opportunities in the pipeline.

As part of this role, your day to day will involve handling a caseload of large, strategic projects, working closely with a dedicated, collaborative team. Your responsibilities will range from monitoring condition details and S106 obligations to dealing with strategic planning work.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Town Planner with a relevant degree or post graduate diploma or an NVQ Level 6 qualification in planning or a relevant field plus at least three years of quality experience. Ideal candidates will be part of the Royal Town Planning Institute or eligible for membership. Effective project management skills and a genuine passion for improving our built environment are a must. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with key stakeholders are essential.

If you’re used to juggling a variety of complex development proposals within tight deadlines, you’re exactly who we want!

As well as a good salary, we offer a career average pension scheme, generous holiday and sick pay entitlements, subsidised parking, public transport discounts, free swimming, cycle purchase scheme, plenty of personal and professional development opportunities, flexible working, hybrid working opportunities, Employee Assistance Programme and the opportunity to work with great colleagues.

Join our vibrant team to seize the chance to shape Ipswich’s future. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a growing department that’s making Ipswich an even better place to live.

Hours of work are 37 per week, Monday to Friday.

This post is offered on a permanent basis.

For more information or an informal discussion regarding this roles please contact the Special Projects Team Leaders: Rosalynn Claxton on 01473 432903 or via email on rosalynn.claxton@ipswich.gov.uk or Lisa Evans on 01473 432915 or via email on lisa.evans@ipswich.gov.uk

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification to find out more about this role: Job Description and Person Specification

Interviews will be held in person on 14th and 15th December 2023. 

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview candidates who meet the essential criteria prior to the closing date and / or to close the opportunity to applicants once we receive sufficient applications.