Principal Planning Policy Officer presso ORC External

This role is open to full time, part time, and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.

This advert is open to Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils employees only.

Join our team

We are looking for a Senior Policy Strategy Planner to join our Strategic Planning Team and take a key role on a variety of planning policy matters.

If you share our values and motivation to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities, we would love to hear from you.

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. 

We are looking for a collaborative and strategic-minded individual to play a key role in the formulation of planning policy, including:

• major and strategic site allocation
• managing external consultants on the development of evidence base and appraisal
• provide expert planning policy advice
• mentor members of the team 

There will be the need to work collaboratively across the two Councils in supporting the development of strategies including infrastructure, as well as working closely with councillors, neighbouring local authorities, Suffolk County Council, and other infrastructure providers. 

Engagement with the community and supporting the preparation of neighbourhood plans are key aspects of the role. 

The post will support the delivery of the Councils’ corporate objectives.

About you

We are seeking a motivated planner who has appropriate knowledge and experience of the spatial planning policy system with the ability to analyse, interpret and present evidence and information succinctly to a variety of audiences. 

You will be educated to degree level in an appropriate discipline, with significant spatial planning policy experience, and membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute is desirable. 

Knowledge of Local Government practice and procedures will also be required.

You will be able to procure and manage external consultants and have a good understanding of the plan-making process. 

Strong communication skills and an ability to develop strong working relationships are essential together with project management and organisational skills. 

Good IT skills and extensive experience with modern Microsoft products is expected. Now is an exciting time as we look to update and develop the software we use with innovative packages to present information in different ways. 

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
• many picturesque market towns

It is no surprise we are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK (United Kingdom).

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years).
• Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs.
• Private Health Care Options.
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Paid volunteering days.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (Business needs permitting).
• Great learning and development opportunities.

For more information, visit our Employee Benefits page.

Our ways of working

We believe work is what we do, not just where we go.

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.

For more information

For an informal discussion or to learn more about hybrid working for this role, please contact Robert Hobbs by either calling 01449 724812 or emailing [email protected] .

Please read the Job Description and Person Specification.pdf before applying for this job opportunity.

Closing date: 5pm, 03 October 2025.

How to apply

Please ensure your: 

• application form is fully completed, including employment and education history
• supporting statement clearly addresses how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification

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.

How to apply

Step 1 - read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification (JD and PS).

Step 2 - complete the Supporting Statement template

Step 3 - complete the online application and upload your statement.

Your statement needs to indicate how you meet the criteria in the ‘Person specification ’ section of the (JD and PS)

Your statement should:

• Be no more than 2 sides of A4
• use the template provided (other formats will not be accepted)
• be uploaded on your online application, as without this, your interest will not be progressed.