Planning Enforcement Officer

We are looking for a motivated and skilled Planning Enforcement Officer to join our team, helping protect and improve our communities.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in protecting the quality of the built and natural environment by investigating breaches of planning control and securing positive outcomes for communities.

The postholder will lead on complex and contentious enforcement cases with assistance from colleagues within the team. The successful candidate will contribute to legal proceedings and provide professional oversight, whilst helping to ensure the Council delivers a robust, proportionate and legally sound planning enforcement service.

As a Planning Enforcement Officer, you will manage a varied caseload of planning investigations, ranging from unauthorised development and breaches of conditions through to heritage, conservation and environmental issues.

You must have confidence in dealing with the public and be able to deal effectively with difficult situations. You will have the ability to communicate technical matters clearly and collaborate effectively with internal and external partners.

You will be self-motivated, have excellent customer service skills and have a commitment to team working. You will be required to meet deadlines and make informed decisions when faced with conflicting demands.

This is a varied role with a balance between site visits; gathering evidence; drafting assessments for Development to consider; preparing enforcement notices; compiling prosecution files for legal proceedings; attending court; or representing the council at appeal hearings and public inquiries.

About the role

You will:

· Lead on the investigation and resolution of alleged breaches of planning control, including supporting on complex and high-risk cases.

· Undertake site visits/inspections, gather evidence and undertake formal interviews under caution in accordance with PACE, CPIA and RIPA.

· Draft, serve and monitor enforcement notices and breach of condition notices.

· Assess the appropriate course of action; prepare reports and make recommendations on formal enforcement action; prosecution and works in default.

· Represent the Council at court hearings, enforcement appeals and public inquiries.

· Ensure compliance with statutory duties, including heritage and conservation, biodiversity net gain, tree protection and sustainable development.

· Monitor compliance with planning permissions, conditions and legal notices.

· Provide professional advice to elected members, colleagues, developers and members of the public.

· Contribute to service performance targets, service improvement and the development of enforcement processes.

· Support and oversee the work of the Planning Enforcement Technical Officer.

About you

We are seeking someone with experience in planning enforcement, development management or a relevant investigative or regulatory enforcement background.

You will have:

· A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject, or equivalent experience.

· Experience of investigating complex and contentious cases.

· Knowledge of planning legislation and enforcement procedures.

· Excellent communication, negotiation and report-writing skills.

· The ability to analyse evidence and make sound professional judgement.

· Experience of working within statutory processes and legal proceedings.

· The ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively.

. Knowledge of planning enforcement legislation, including the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Listed Buildings legislation, Tree Preservation Orders and related regulatory requirements, would be advantageous. The role involves hybrid working and regular site visits, including lone working and potentially challenging situations. Appropriate training, equipment and support will be provided.

What we offer:

· Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

· A varied and rewarding workload.

· Opportunities for professional development and continuing professional development (CPD).

· Supportive and experienced colleagues.

· The opportunity to make a real difference to the local environment and communities.

If you are passionate about protecting places, resolving complex problems and delivering positive outcomes for communities, we would like to hear from you.

Please see attached job description and employee specification which you should refer to when completing your application to demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.

For an informal discussion about the vacancy, please contact John Davies Lead Officer – Environmental Enforcement on 01724 298454 for further details.

Closing Date: Monday 9th November 2026

Potential Interview Date: Thursday 19th November 2026

Candidates must be able to evidence their right to work in the UK. Please note the council does not hold a sponsor licence to sponsor people to work in the UK.

Attachments

• Job Description and Employee Specification.pdf