Planning Enforcement Officer

Job Title: Planning Enforcement Officer
Location: Dorchester
Contract Type: Temporary
Salary: £16.10 per hour

About Us

Connect2Dorset is the managed service provider for Dorset Council, supplying high-quality temporary, contract, and interim staffing solutions across various departments. We are proud to be an ethical, trustworthy, and caring organisation.

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Planning Enforcement Officer to join Dorset Council's Development Management and Enforcement Service. This role plays a vital part in investigating and resolving breaches of planning control, listed building regulations, and tree protection orders. You will work within a supportive team to ensure compliance with planning legislation and contribute to the protection of Dorset's unique natural and built environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate and assess alleged breaches of planning control through research and site visits.
• Prepare and serve statutory notices, including Enforcement Notices and Planning Contravention Notices.
• Gather evidence, conduct interviews under PACE, and prepare witness statements.
• Liaise with internal teams (e.g. Legal, Highways, Environmental Health) and external agencies (e.g. Police, Environment Agency).
• Provide updates to stakeholders, including elected members and the public.
• Draft reports for committees and senior officers and contribute to enforcement appeal statements.
• Support enforcement related to CIL and S106 agreements in collaboration with the Infrastructure and Delivery Team.
• Lead on specific projects or areas of work within the enforcement team.

Qualifications and Skills

Essential:

• Previous experience in planning enforcement or a similar investigative role (e.g. police, regulatory services).
• Strong understanding of planning legislation, enforcement procedures, and investigative techniques.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, both written and verbal.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work-related travel.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Competent in using IT systems for case management and reporting.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work-related travel.
• Ability to converse at ease with customers and provide clear, accurate advice in spoken English.

Desirable:

• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. RTPI, RICS).
• Experience preparing legal documentation and working with legal teams.
• Knowledge of Dorset's planning policies and enforcement framework.

Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.