Planning Enforcement Officer

WMJobs; Oldbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking a Planning Enforcement Officer to investigate breaches of planning control, carry out site inspections, and manage enforcement cases from initial investigation through to compliance.

You will interpret planning law, prepare reports for committees, present evidence at appeals, and travel across the borough; MRTPI pathway or qualification in Town Planning is desirable, and a full driving licence is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in planning enforcement and understanding of planning law and procedures.
• Membership of MRTPI or commitment to full membership is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and resolve breaches of planning control and enforcement matters.

Skills

Planning enforcement

Teamwork

Communication

Negotiation

Decision making

Organisation

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Policy interpretation

Education

Town/Country Planning degree or equivalent MRTPI pathway

Tools

IT literacy

Job description

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council,

You will be responsible for investigating and resolving breaches of planning control, land condition issues, and related environmental enforcement matters. The role involves undertaking site inspections, carrying out land ownership investigations through Land Registry and other searches, and serving statutory notices including Section 330 Notices, Planning Contravention Notices, and Section 215 Notices.

The postholder manages enforcement cases from initial investigation through to compliance, including monitoring sites, coordinating works in default, and liaising with Legal Services to ensure enforcement action is undertaken correctly and cost effectively.

The role also includes providing specialist advice on tree preservation and high hedges legislation, supporting the removal of unauthorised advertisements and highway obstructions, and contributing to multi-agency environmental improvement initiatives. Responsibilities extend to preparing reports for committees and working groups, presenting evidence at appeals and prosecutions, responding to public enquiries and correspondence, and maintaining accurate records and performance statistics to support effective service delivery.

Essential Requirements

• A degree in Town and Country Planning or related degree sufficient to enable study leading to MRTPI
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team while also demonstrating the initiative and self-motivation to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate tactfully and diplomatically in challenging situations.
• Ability to respond positively and sensitively when dealing with individuals who may be upset, distressed, angry or confrontational.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet demanding deadlines.
• Willingness to take responsibility and make sound, informed decisions.
• Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to work constructively with developers, applicants, consultees and other interested parties to achieve positive outcomes.
• Ability to mediate between conflicting interests and facilitate balanced, practical solutions.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and professionally.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, elected Members, external agencies and members of the public.

About You

You will have experience in planning enforcement and a comprehensive, up-to-date understanding of planning law, policy, enforcement procedures, and the prosecution process. You will be confident interpreting complex planning legislation, including permitted development rights, and capable of managing a demanding and varied caseload effectively.

You will hold a recognised qualification in Town Planning or possess significant relevant experience within the planning profession. Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI), or a commitment to working towards full membership and continuing professional development, is desirable.

The successful candidate will possess excellent communication, presentation, and organisational skills, together with strong IT literacy and the ability to work independently and make sound professional judgements. As the role requires regular site visits across the Borough, you must hold a full driving licence, have access to a vehicle, and be able to travel independently.

Closing date: 1st September 2026.