Senior Planning Officer - Enforcement

3 Month Contract With a Local Authority

To provide specialist planning enforcement support within the Planning Service, assisting with the investigation and resolution of planning enforcement matters and the clearance of historic case backlog work. The role will involve managing enforcement cases, preparing formal notices, undertaking site investigations, and supporting appeals work to ensure compliance with planning legislation and Council policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate alleged breaches of planning control and manage enforcement cases through to resolution.
  


• Assist with the clearance of historic planning enforcement backlog cases.
  


• Prepare, draft, and serve enforcement notices, breach of condition notices, planning contravention notices, and related legal documentation.
  


• Undertake site inspections and assessments to establish compliance with planning regulations.
  


• Manage enforcement appeals and prepare supporting evidence and documentation.
  


• Liaise with internal departments, legal services, external agencies, developers, landowners, and members of the public regarding enforcement matters.
  


• Maintain accurate case records and update planning and case management systems.
  


• Provide professional planning enforcement advice in accordance with current planning legislation, policy, and procedures.
  


• Prioritise and manage a varied caseload effectively to meet service demands and deadlines.
  


• Attend meetings, hearings, inquiries, and site visits as required.
  


• Work collaboratively with the wider Planning team to support service objectives and enforcement priorities.
  


• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with relevant legislation, Council policies, and professional standards.
  

Requirements

• Significant experience working within planning enforcement in a local authority or similar environment.
  


• Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, enforcement procedures, and appeals processes.
  


• Experience drafting enforcement notices and preparing appeal documentation.
  


• Ability to manage complex enforcement cases independently.
  


• Experience conducting site visits and investigations.
  


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  


• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads effectively.
  


• Experience using planning and case management systems.
  


• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
  


• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel to sites as required.
  

Additional Information

• Working Pattern: 37 hours per week, standard working hours
  


• Office Requirement: 2 days office/site-based and 3 days remote working
  


• Mandatory Office Attendance: Tuesdays required (Planning Department all-in day)
  


• Payment Schedule: Bi-weekly payments