Principal Planning Enforcement Officer

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Our preferred method is online application however if you do require a hard copy application pack please contact Human Resources, Guildford Borough Council, Millmead, Guildford GU2 4BB. Telephone (01483) 444111 (24-hr). Alternatively e-mail sally.nielsen@guildford.gov.uk quoting the relevant post number. Please note that we do not accept CVs, please ensure that you complete the application form fully.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and post-holders to share this commitment. To fulfil this commitment we have robust systems in place for the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers.

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Guildford Borough is a regional centre for leisure, business, education, retail and culture. Guildford is a thriving market town that has maintained much of its historic character and is a principal shopping destination with a vibrant night-time economy. The town’s location provides excellent transport links as well as providing the balance of being surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the Surrey Hills National Landscape. All of these factors contribute to a quality of life that makes it one of the best places to live in the UK.

We want to appoint two enthusiastic and committed Principal Planning Officers to join our skilled Planning Development Management Service which deals with a wide range of planning applications.

We also want to appoint one experienced and dedicated Principal Planning Enforcement Officer to join our skilled and fast-paced Planning Enforcement Services which deals with a wide range of complaints about alleged breaches of planning control.

It is an excellent time to work at Guildford, the Authority has a keen focus on preserving the Borough’s heritage and landscape whilst ensuring that the Borough provides high quality homes and access to employment.

You will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of planning enforcement files, including contentious matters that may require court attendance and participation in planning enforcement appeals, including inquiries. You will also be one of the key officers responsible for mentoring junior staff.

You will play a key role in the investigation and management of a wide range of planning enforcement cases, including cases of a contentious and complicated nature. You will be required to draft and prepare enforcement reports and notices, independently manage and represent the Council at enforcement appeals (including public inquiries) and the role may also require you to represent the Council in court proceedings. As set out above, the role will involve working with applications in the urban area, the Green Belt, National Landscape, on sites within conservation areas and which impact on listed buildings. In addition, you will be expected to assist with the mentoring of junior colleagues.

What’s in it for you?

We are a diverse organisation, delivering a wide range of services and employing people with a broad range of skills. We want to attract the best staff, so we offer excellent benefits, including: a competitive salary; flexible working arrangements; Hybrid working, payment of one professional membership per annum, mileage allowance and training and development opportunities where required.

We also provide health and well being initiatives, an employee assistance program and staff discounts off a range of well-known high street shops and supermarkets.

Additional information

For more information about the role and what a successful candidate needs, please see the attached Job Descriptions or contact the Planning Enforcement Team Leader Joanna Searle joanna.searle@guildford.gov.uk

Interview date: early December