Planning Assistant

As a key member of the Planning team, you will be assisting with the delivery of an effective and efficient Planning service. Planning is a high profile and often contentious service area. It unlocks growth, contributes significantly towards our corporate objectives and strives to protect and improve the built and natural environment of West Suffolk.
As a Planning Assistant, you will be expected to deal with a range of applications for planning permission and other consents, as well as dealing with pre-application enquires and appeals with supervision and guidance where needed.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, confident and solutions focused individuals with a flexible approach to work and a 'can do' attitude.
You will have the ability to develop good relationships with colleagues and key stakeholders both internally and externally to make things happen. Site visits are required in a large rural area and so the suitable candidates will need to hold a current driving licence and/or the ability to travel around West Suffolk. You will have excellent administration, communication and IT skills. The ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines, be organised, with an attention to detail and accuracy are all essential as well as being a team player.
This is an ideal role to develop your knowledge and understanding of planning. We will develop your skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are vital

West Suffolk Council has been rated in the top 10 councils for climate action and as a member of UK100 has demonstrated its commitment to a rapid transition to Net Zero with Clean Air in our communities. The council has declared a climate and biodiversity emergency and is committed to working towards net zero emissions by 2030.

• annual leave entitlement of 25 days per annum (pro rata if part time) plus bank holidays, increasing to 29 days plus bank holidays after 5 years' service (with an option to buy up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year subject to approval)


• a generous pension scheme (LGPS) including life assurance (a payment of three times your annual salary)


• flexible working options to enable work/life balance


• agile working (ability to work in the office and from home) with work being an activity we do, not a place we go


• access to a unique employee benefits package which includes discounts and cashback on supermarkets, high street shops, holidays, mobile phones, electrical goods, savings and loan schemes and many other products and services


• Salary sacrifice benefits including Cycle to Work scheme, Tusker Leased Car Scheme and SmartTech (buy the latest tech products interest free and spread the cost over your salary).


• Rail and bus staff discounts


• a range of Health and Wellbeing initiatives including an employee assistance programme


• discounted membership at Abbeycroft Leisure centres


• a culture of learning inspiring staff to focus on continuous learning


• Modern office accommodation