Planning Enforcement Officer

Make a real difference in your community

If you're looking for a role where your work has a genuine impact on services, colleagues, and the communities we serve, this is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful outcomes at the heart of local government.

We are seeking a Planning Enforcement Officer as part of a dedicated team of investigators.

About the role

Do you want a role where your work has a clear and visible impact?

We're looking for a motivated and committed Planning Enforcement Officer to join our Planning Enforcement Team at an important time of change.

In this role, you'll be at the centre of enforcing planning control, working with other teams/stakeholders/customers/partners to support the planning process. You'll play a key part in ensuring complaints are investigated, helping to support the effective running of the organisation.

This is a varied role where your investigative and negotiation skills will be essential. You'll need to be comfortable working across different priorities and managing competing demands.

If you're looking for a role where you can develop your skills and contribute to meaningful outcomes, this could be the opportunity for you.

You will:

• Work as part of a small team of Officers investigating complaints around breach of planning controls.
• Carry out initial assessment of complaints once registered in liaison with Senior Enforcement Officer/Enforcement Manager.
• Assist and deputise for Senior Enforcement Officer when required.
• Carry out desk top investigation of complaints - using all available systems, internet and other agencies.
• Carry out site inspections - including roadside inspections - pre-arranged visits - accompany other Enforcement Officers where appropriate taking photographs and measurements as part of general evidence gathering.
• Deputise for Technical Support Officer when absent.
• Communicate via letter/email providing updates to complainants, offenders, Members, Management.
• Carry out telephone calls to complainants and offenders.
• Liaise with other agencies including ARP, Housing, Environmental Protection, Norfolk County Council.
• Close cases as directed by Enforcement Manager.
• Collaborate with the Appeals Officer in the preparation of appeals in relation to planning and enforcement matters.

Such other duties as may, from time to time, be allocated appropriate to the grade and contributing to the purpose and objectives of the post.

About you:

Your qualities and behaviours are just as important to us as your experience. Is this you?

Collaborative

• I look for ways to work in partnership, listening supportively to others and building on their ideas while sharing my own.
• I recognise the skills, talent and experience of others and actively seek their input.

Ambitious

• I ask myself "how could we do this better?" and take ownership of change.
• I have an open mindset and am willing to take risks and explore new ways of doing things.

Results-driven

• I make sure I am clear on what I need to achieve, keeping a focus on results and solutions.
• I am driven, showing courage and resilience even when things don't go to plan.

Supportive

• I treat others with kindness, respect and professionalism.
• I make time to support colleagues when they need it.

OK, I'm interested... but is it really the job for me?

As our Planning Enforcement Officer, you will work as part of a team of Officers investigating alleged breaches of planning control, pursuing the most appropriate and effective action to remedy these, working closely with Development Management / Conservation / Policy Planners and Officers in other services driving forward our enforcement initiatives and maintaining the integrity of council planning decisions.

For a full list of responsibilities and requirements, please see the job description and person specification.

You'll also be expected to demonstrate experience in:

• The ability to use your own initiative to solve challenges working as part of a team and under direction.
• An understanding of investigative procedures within a legislative framework.
• Under supervision, ability to draft, serve and record legal notices.
• Ability to prioritise, plan work and monitor progress.
• Good interpersonal skills, diplomacy and tact and ability to prioritise work.
• Good communication skills including the ability to prepare and present verbal and written reports.
• Ability to persuade, influence and negotiate and liaise and consult with others at all levels.
• Ability to follow established procedures, reading and interpreting maps and plans.
• Capable of adopting a methodical and accurate approach to ensure a high level of consistency in performance targets.
• Competency at checking own work to confirm accuracy.
• Hold a current driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
• Experience of dealing with customers by phone, e-mail and face to face.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel etc).