Planning Enforcement Officer - 37 hours

Torbay Council; Torquay; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is looking for a motivated Planning Enforcement Officer to join their Development Management Team. You'll investigate planning control breaches across the region, delivering excellent customer service while contributing to the council's goals. The position offers a flexible working scheme and a commitment to work-life balance, making it a great opportunity for those looking to enter the planning field.

Benefits

Flexible working scheme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Wellbeing commitment

Qualifications

• Experience in enforcing rules or legislation is essential.
• Good communicator with attention to detail.
• Driving Licence and access to a car for site visits.

Responsibilities

• Investigate alleged breaches of planning control.
• Deliver excellent customer service.
• Utilize new technology to monitor enforcement cases.

Skills

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Initiative

Education

A Level or equivalent

Job description

Application Deadline: 5 December 2025

Department: Pride in Place

Location: Torbay Council

Compensation: £39,152 - £41,771 per year

Description

We have an exciting opportunity within our Development Management Team for a Planning Enforcement Officer.

As an Officer working in our fast‑paced, innovative, and supportive team you will be working across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham investigating alleged breaches of planning control and taking action to remedy them. You will be delivering excellent customer service and helping to deliver on the Council’s corporate goals which include thriving people and places.

Planning enforcement work can provide a good introduction into a career in planning and in Torbay there is the opportunity to enjoy a good work‑life balance in a scenic and beautiful part of the UK.

We have an effective Planning Enforcement Policy and are using new technology to monitor, prioritise and action our enforcement cases.

The role can accommodate office based or hybrid working depending on your preference. We have a whole host of benefits such as a flexible working scheme, a commitment to your wellbeing and the Local Government Pension Scheme. Sometimes there might be the need for you to work after traditional office hours, but our flexi scheme means you’ll be entitled to take those hours back at a later date.

About you

We’re looking for a new team member who is motivated, enthusiastic, good communicators and can play close attention to detail.

You will either have experience of working in a role where enforcing rules or legislation was a central part of your job, or experience of working in planning and/or planning enforcement, or a qualification in town planning or a related discipline.

About us

There has never been a better time to join our team at Torbay Council. We have a real momentum building and have a shared sense of purpose and ambition. Torbay is a fantastic place to live, work and visit, offering unrivalled quality of life for individuals and families. We want to see a healthy, happy and prosperous Torbay. If you do too, join us. Come and be part of our #torbaystory.

If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/planning-enforcement-officer-1/

For an informal chat please contact Jim Blackwell on 07827355310 or [e-mail].

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 08th December 2025.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there's a published deadline - so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible.

Skills

• To be able to effectively communicate using all available methods, including written and oral, formal and informal reports and in presentations taking into account issues of confidentiality.
• To communicate effectively with clarity, tact and purpose in all relevant situations with all relevant information conveyed in a manner it can be easily understood.
• Ability to demonstrate effective organisational skills, particularly with self‑organisation and the ability to see tasks through to a successful conclusion and deadlines are met.
• Ability to demonstrate the use of initiative and commitment to include demonstrating a flexible and adaptable approach to work requirements.
• Ability to demonstrate the use of developing, and the recording of, rational and persuasive arguments.

As this post meets the requirements of the Immigration Act 2016 (part 7), the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Knowledge

• Effective knowledge and understanding of all relevant planning legislation.
• Effective knowledge and understanding of report writing and presentations.
• Effective knowledge and understanding of how to undertake investigations, record facts and reach appropriate outcomes and recommendations.
• Effective knowledge and understanding of preparing court bundles and evidence.

Experience & Qualifications

• Experience of undertaking site inspections and to have experience in using appropriate interview techniques to ascertain relevant facts.
• Previous experience of resolving problems innovatively with a high degree of discretion, sensitivity and advocacy.
• Demonstrate experience of undertaking an investigation from receipt of an initial complaint through to a successful outcome.
• To be qualified to A Level or equivalent standard.
• Driving Licence and immediate access to a car to attend site visits as not all sites can be accessed by public transport.