Enforcement and Monitoring Officer (Planning Enforcement)

West Northamptonshire Council; Towcester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Towcester is seeking a proactive Planning Enforcement Officer. You will play a key role in ensuring quality developments, monitor compliance, and engage effectively with Councillors and community groups. Ideal candidates will have experience in planning enforcement and possess excellent communication skills. The council values innovation and teamwork, providing opportunities for career growth.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in planning enforcement or investigations is desirable.
• Experience in monitoring planning approvals and related obligations is beneficial.
• You should be methodical, detail-oriented, and an excellent communicator.

Responsibilities

• Support the Principal Enforcement Officer with planning enforcement matters.
• Monitor large developments and investigate breaches of planning control.
• Maintain strong relationships with Councillors and community groups.

Skills

Planning enforcement

Investigations

Communication

Job description

West Northamptonshire Council is seeking a dedicated and proactive Planning Enforcement Officer to support its place-shaping agenda.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in ensuring the delivery of quality developments across the region. Please note, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

Our benefits
You can view our full list of employee benefits on our careers site here: Why you should work for us | West Northamptonshire Council.

What will you be doing?

In this role, you will support the Principal Enforcement Officer by providing timely and appropriate advice on planning enforcement matters. You will assist in monitoring large developments and investigating breaches of planning control, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. You will also contribute to developing a flexible and resilient team, working collaboratively to meet service objectives and improve outcomes for the Council and the community. Maintaining strong relationships with Councillors, local bodies, and community groups, including Parish and Town Councils, will be essential to ensure effective communication and a customer-focused approach.

About you

Previous experience in planning enforcement or investigations is desirable. Experience in monitoring planning approvals, S106 obligations, and community infrastructure levy payments is beneficial. Experience in planning enforcement, accountancy, or legal capacities is also advantageous. You should be methodical, detail-oriented, and an excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing. This role is ideal for someone passionate about planning and development, committed to delivering positive change in West Northamptonshire. If you are ready to make an impact, we want to hear from you.

About us

At West Northants Council, our people are at the heart of everything. We value ambition, innovation, and a commitment to better ways of working. Our culture encourages new experiences and opportunities, empowering you to grow your career alongside like-minded colleagues. Our vision is to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit, and thrive. Our corporate values, THRIVE—Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate, and Empower—guide our service delivery.

Hear more from our Chief Executive, Anna Earnshaw, about what it's like to work at West Northants Council.

We are committed to diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion, embedding these principles into our work. We are a disability-confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner. For additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, please email [e-mail].

West Northants Council—where careers thrive.