Planning Compliance Officer – 3 Month Contract

Summary

Responsibilities

Planning Enforcement & Compliance

• Investigate alleged breaches of planning control.
  


• Assess compliance with approved planning permissions and conditions.
  


• Research planning histories and supporting documentation.
  


• Determine appropriate actions to secure compliance.
  

Site Inspections & Investigations

• Conduct site visits and inspections throughout the borough.
  


• Accurately measure and record developments.
  


• Gather photographic and documentary evidence.
  


• Interview relevant parties as needed.
  


• Monitor ongoing compliance of developments.
  

Enforcement Action

• Negotiate compliance with planning controls.
  


• Prepare enforcement reports and recommendations.
  


• Draft and issue enforcement-related documentation.
  


• Assist with notices and legal documentation.
  


• Support planning enforcement prosecutions and legal proceedings.
  

Appeals & Legal Support

• Prepare statements, case files, and evidence.
  


• Support appeals, hearings, public inquiries, and court proceedings.
  


• Present evidence at hearings and inquiries.
  


• Liaise with Legal Services and other departments.
  

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Respond to enquiries from residents, councillors, developers, and other stakeholders.
  


• Provide professional advice and updates on enforcement investigations.
  


• Deliver excellent customer service while managing sensitive issues.
  

Proactive Enforcement Projects

• Support proactive planning enforcement initiatives.
  


• Participate in borough-wide compliance projects.
  


• Improve public awareness and engagement in planning enforcement.
  


• Support wider Planning Services compliance activities.
  

Case Management & Administration

• Maintain accurate case records and investigation files.
  


• Use planning and enforcement systems effectively.
  


• Ensure documentation is complete and auditable.
  


• Manage workloads to meet deadlines and performance targets.
  

Essential

• Previous experience in Planning Enforcement, Planning Compliance, Development Management, or a related role.
  


• Experience investigating breaches of planning control and conducting site visits.
  


• Ability to interpret and apply planning legislation and government guidance.
  


• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
  


• Strong record-keeping and case management abilities.
  


• Experience using computerized systems and databases.
  


• Ability to work independently and manage a varied caseload.
  


• Full UK Driving Licence.
  

Desirable

• Degree or Diploma in Town Planning, Town & Country Planning, or a related discipline.
  


• RTPI membership or eligibility for membership.
  


• Experience preparing evidence for appeals, hearings, inquiries, and court proceedings.
  


• Experience interpreting technical plans and drawings.
  


• Access to a vehicle for borough-wide site visits.
  

Working Environment

• Based at Civic Centre, Esher, Surrey.
  


• Combination of office-based duties and site inspections.
  


• Regular travel throughout the borough.
  


• Occasional evening and weekend site visits may be required.
  


• Attendance at hearings, public inquiries, committee meetings, and court proceedings as needed.
  

What's on Offer?

• £35.69 per hour (Umbrella)
  


• 3 Month Contract
  


• Location: Esher, Surrey
  


• 36 Hours Per Week
  


• Bi-weekly Pay
  


• Opportunity to work within a busy Development Management and Planning Enforcement team.
  


• Varied workload involving investigations, site inspections, enforcement, compliance, and stakeholder engagement.
  


• Excellent opportunity for experienced Planning Compliance or Planning Enforcement professionals.