Principal Planning Policy Officer

Principal Planning Policy Officer Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council are looking to recruit a Principal Planning Policy Officer to join our team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis. The successful candidate will earn a competitive salary of £45,091 - £52,413 per annum (plus Market Supplement) (pro rata for part time). This role is open to full time, part time, and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally. About the Role Do you want to shape our communities and places in Babergh and Mid Suffolk for the better? An exciting role has become available in the team that delivers the Local Plan for our districts. The councils adopted the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan Part 1 Development Plan Document in November 2023 and are currently undertaking a Joint Local Plan Review under the new plan-making system, which will plan ahead to 2045. The Joint Local Plan Review will seek to address the challenge of increasing housing and employment needs together with the delivery of the associated infrastructure, whilst preserving what is unique about the districts. Responsibilities Formulate planning policy, including major and strategic site allocation Manage external consultants on the development of evidence base and appraisal Provide expert planning policy advice and mentor members of the team Work collaboratively across the two councils in supporting the development of strategies including infrastructure Engage with councillors, neighbouring local authorities, Suffolk County Council, and other infrastructure providers Engage with the community and support the preparation of neighbourhood development plans Support the delivery of the councils' corporate objectives Qualifications and Experience Educated to degree level in an appropriate discipline, with significant spatial planning policy experience, and membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute desirable Thorough knowledge of Local Government practice and procedures Ability to procure and manage external consultants and a good understanding of the plan-making process Effective communication skills and ability to develop strong working relationships, together with project management and organisational skills Good IT skills and extensive experience with modern Microsoft products About Us At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils we are passionate about building communities that people want to live, work, visit and invest in. We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are well known for our collaboration and partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors. We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work, with 60 conservation areas, two National Landscapes and many picturesque market towns. Benefits Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years) Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme Wellbeing support and employee assistance programmes Private health care options Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme Paid volunteering daysFlexible and hybrid working arrangements (business needs permitting)Great learning and development opportunities Ways of Working We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home and remote based working (business need permitting). Our hybrid working arrangements support flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, providing opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible services for our residents. Application deadline 5pm, 6 January 2026. Interview date Week beginning 12 January 2026. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #J-18808-Ljbffr