Assistant Planning Enforcement Officer

Wealden District Council; Hailsham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

Wealden District Council is seeking an experienced Planning Enforcement Officer to investigate breaches of planning control and help protect the environment and communities.

The role involves preparing reports, presenting to planning committee, advising and negotiating with contraveners, and coordinating with residents and partners. Hybrid working, a competitive salary and pension, and opportunities for development are offered.

Qualifications

• Some experience in planning enforcement and applying expert knowledge.
• Strong customer service skills with ability to handle conflicting demands.
• Knowledge of planning law, policy and guidance.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Some experience defending Council actions at appeal or in court.

Responsibilities

• Investigating breaches of planning control in urban and rural settings.
• Preparing reports and presenting enforcement schemes to planning committee when required.
• Providing advice and negotiating with contraveners to deliver robust outcomes and high-quality service.
• Liaising with residents, other officers, elected members and external bodies on progress and outcomes.

Skills

Planning enforcement

Customer service

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Legal knowledge

Job description

Please note this vacancy is being advertised alongside another planning officer role.

This vacancy may close early due to high volumes of applications.

Are you an planner that wants to ensure that development is carried out in a compliant manner as well as protecting our environment and communities from unauthorised works?

Who are we looking for?

The Planning Enforcement Team is dedicated to ensuring our communities have a good quality of life and that our built and natural environments are protected by taking robust but proportionate action in relation to breaches of planning control.

This role would consider a variety of breaches of planning in the district, so we’re looking for someone who has some experience in investigating such matters and is able to conclude them effectively and efficiently.

What will the role involve?

• Investigating breaches of planning control, in a variety of urban and rural settings.
• Preparing reports to make recommendations on appropriate enforcement proceedings, presenting those schemes to planning committee where required.
• Providing advice and conducting negotiations with contraveners to achieve the best possible outcomes and deliver 5-star customer service.
• Liaising with various stakeholders, including residents, officers from other service sections, elected members, and external bodies ensuring they are appropriately updated ion the progress and outcome of investigation.

What skills, knowledge and abilities do you require for the role?

• Some experience in planning and the application of expert knowledge within an enforcement and development management context.
• Customer service skills, being particularly adept at speaking with those who have conflicting demands and priorities.
• Knowledge of relevant law, policy and guidance related to planning and related matters.
• Communication and negotiation skills, being able to discuss breaches in a clear, constructive, and professional manner to achieve robust and proportionate outcomes.
• Some experience of defending actions taken by the Council at appeal or via legal proceedings.

Please note that you must have a full UK drivers licence with access to your own vehicle.

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary & pension scheme.
• Incremental progression subject to satisfactory performance.
• A friendly, supportive team.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Hybrid working.

Wealden District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities, and all applications will be treated on merit.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. At Wealden District Council, we are committed to fair, accessible recruitment and supporting colleagues with the adjustments they need to thrive. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview. Join a workplace that values inclusion, wellbeing and equal opportunity.

Ethical Use of AI in Applications

We welcome innovation and do not automatically exclude candidates who use AI tools during the application process. However, we assess each application to ensure the candidate genuinely understands the role and its requirements.

AI may be used ethically and responsibly, provided it supports, rather than compromises our core values of integrity, transparency, and fairness. During assessments and interviews, candidates must present their own skills and experience without assistance from others, external resources, or AI, unless explicitly instructed otherwise.