Senior Planning Enforcement Officer – AR

Job Details

Senior Planning Enforcement Officer

We are seeking an experienced Senior Planning Enforcement Officer to investigate and manage complex and sensitive breaches of planning control on behalf of the Council. The successful candidate will take enforcement action where necessary, ensure compliance with planning legislation, and provide professional support and guidance to junior officers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Investigate complaints and reported breaches of planning law and regulations.
• Conduct site inspections, review planning history, plans, and supporting evidence.
• Prepare and serve Enforcement Notices, Breach of Condition Notices, and Section 215 Notices.
• Negotiate with developers, residents, and landowners to resolve planning enforcement matters.
• Carry out interviews under caution in accordance with PACE procedures.
• Prepare reports, witness statements, and legal documentation for court proceedings, appeals, inquiries, and prosecutions.
• Act as the Council’s expert witness in enforcement and planning-related legal cases.
• Monitor development sites and ensure compliance with planning permissions and conditions.
• Maintain accurate enforcement records and ensure compliance with Data Protection and FOI requirements.
• Keep up to date with planning legislation, policy, and enforcement procedures.

Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation and enforcement procedures.
• Experience within a local authority planning enforcement environment.
• Ability to manage complex enforcement cases independently.
• Excellent investigation, negotiation, and report-writing skills.
• Experience preparing legal evidence and attending court or public inquiries is desirable.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to deal confidently with councillors, MPs, residents, and developers.