Principal Planner; Policy and Delivery

Overview

East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work and a great place to make a real difference to people’s lives, delivering vital services to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk.

We currently have a new opportunity to join East Suffolk Council’s Planning Policy and Delivery Team as a Principal Planner
.

East Suffolk is a large and diverse district, ranging from port towns to countryside and coast, with a substantial part of the area within the Suffolk and Essex Coast and Heaths National Landscape. There are ambitious plans for growth, including large-scale garden neighbourhoods/villages, regeneration projects, and major national energy and infrastructure projects.

We are starting work on a new Local Plan and will be preparing it in the new plan-making system. You will work closely with local communities, Members, partner organisations and neighbouring authorities to shape and navigate these opportunities.

• Lead and inspire a skilled team of planning professionals and technical staff.
• Oversee the preparation, monitoring and delivery of Local Plans and guidance documents.
• Manage recruitment, development, performance, and continuous improvement within the Planning Policy and Delivery team.
• Shape and drive the Council’s approach to Neighbourhood Planning and support communities to bring forward Neighbourhood Plans.
• Represent the Council’s input to strategic planning matters through Spatial Development Strategies.
• Engage with local communities, Members, partner organisations and neighbouring authorities to inform planning strategies for growth.

• A relevant and accredited Degree in Town and Country Planning.
• Full Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or progression towards APC within six months of appointment.
• A strong commitment to professional development and supporting the growth of others.
• You must be mobile and have access to a car to attend meetings across diverse sites and locations.

You will have the opportunity to work in a collaborative team committed to delivering high-quality outcomes in a dynamic district with significant growth plans.

• Generous leave entitlement (25 days per year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years, plus bank holidays).
• Local government pension scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• Support networks including health and wellbeing initiatives and programmes.
• Discounts on various products and services.

Closing date: 1.00 pm, 27 February 2026
Interview date:
18 and 19 March 2026

For more information, check out the How to Apply section of our career site.

For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Andrea Mc Millan , Planning Manager (Policy and Delivery), by calling or emailing andrea
.

Address: East Suffolk House, Melton, Woodbridge IP12 1RT
and Riverside, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0EQ

Salary: £54,495 - £58,809 per annum (Band 10)

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent