OR114846 – Senior Enforcement Officer

Carrington Blake Recruitment; Bridgwater; Hybrid; GBP 67,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Carrington Blake Recruitment advertises a Planning Enforcement role based in Bridgwater, United Kingdom. The post focuses on investigating breaches, enforcing planning controls and supporting stakeholders through legal processes and appeals.

The successful candidate will conduct site visits, prepare notices, and manage a varied caseload with strong report-writing and communication skills. A Town Planning degree and RTPI qualification are desirable.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in planning enforcement or a related planning role.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, including the Town and Country Planning Act.
• Experience conducting site visits and investigating planning breaches.
• Experience preparing and serving enforcement notices.
• Strong report-writing and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation.
• Experience managing a varied caseload independently.
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• RTPI membership or relevant professional qualification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Investigate planning enforcement complaints and manage a varied caseload.
• Conduct site visits and inspections.
• Assess breaches of planning control and monitor compliance.
• Prepare and serve enforcement notices and legal documents.
• Provide advice to residents, developers and stakeholders.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for planning committees.
• Represent the Council at appeals, public inquiries and court proceedings.
• Maintain accurate enforcement records and case information.
• Mentor and support junior planning enforcement staff.

Skills

Planning Enforcement

Planning Legislation

Site Inspections

Enforcement Notices

Report Writing

Stakeholder Communication

Appeals & Court

Mentoring & Team Support

Time Management

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related

Job description

Work pattern: 2 days on site/in office PAYE Pay Rate: £35.34 per hour

Main Purpose

To investigate and manage complex breaches of planning control, ensuring developments comply with planning legislation, permissions and policies. The role will handle enforcement cases, conduct site inspections, provide advice to stakeholders and represent the Council at appeals and legal proceedings.

Typical Day

• Investigate planning enforcement complaints and manage a varied caseload.
• Conduct site visits and inspections.
• Assess breaches of planning control and monitor compliance.
• Prepare and serve enforcement notices and legal documents.
• Provide advice to residents, developers and stakeholders.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for planning committees.
• Represent the Council at appeals, public inquiries and court proceedings.
• Maintain accurate enforcement records and case information.
• Work with internal departments and external agencies.
• Mentor and support junior planning enforcement staff.

Key Skills & Responsibilities

• Planning Enforcement & Investigation
• Planning Legislation & Policy
• Site Inspections & Compliance
• Enforcement Notices & Legal Processes
• Report Writing & Committee Presentations
• Negotiation & Conflict Resolution
• Caseload & Time Management
• Stakeholder Communication
• Appeals & Court Proceedings
• Mentoring & Team Support

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience in planning enforcement or a related planning role.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, including the Town and Country Planning Act.
• Experience conducting site visits and investigating planning breaches.
• Experience preparing and serving enforcement notices.
• Strong report-writing and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation.
• Experience managing a varied caseload independently.
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning or a related subject, or equivalent experience.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• RTPI membership or relevant professional qualification is desirable.