Planning Officer (Enforcement)

Chelmsford City Council; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Chelmsford is seeking a confident and motivated individual to join their Planning Enforcement Team. The successful applicant will handle investigations of planning control breaches, prepare detailed reports, and liaise with officials and the public. Strong communication, analytical skills, and knowledge of Town Planning legislation are essential. The role involves a 37-hour work week with potential evening and weekend requirements.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Town Planning legislation.
• Experience dealing with complex planning matters.
• Ability to maintain precise records and produce detailed reports.

Responsibilities

• Investigate alleged breaches of planning control.
• Prepare reports recommending action.
• Carry out formal interviews and attend courts if needed.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Negotiation skills

Organisational skills

Analytical skills

Job description

We are looking for a confident, motivated, outgoing and highly literate individual to join our Planning Enforcement Team. The successful applicant will investigate complex alleged breaches of planning control under the Town and Country Planning Act, carry out research, prepare reports recommending action, liaise with elected Members and members of the public, and take any formal action that is expedient.

There may be a need for you to carry out formal interviews, attend Courts and Public Inquiries and to serve formal notices. Excellent communication and negotiation skills are essential, as well as the confidence to carry out investigations in challenging circumstances.

The successful applicant will need to be pro-active and have strong organisational and analytical skills to undertake investigative research, maintain precise records and produce well written and detailed reports and appeal statements. You will need to have a comprehensive knowledge of Town Planning legislation and experience of dealing with complex planning matters with minimal supervision.

The successful applicant will be required to work 37 hours per week. We would also consider applicants who are interested in working as part of a job share. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, and it is essential you have the use of a car and hold a full UK driving licence or equivalent.

Chelmsford City Council is committed to safeguarding vulnerable groups and expects all employees to share this commitment and have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services. The Council's Safer Recruitment process contains pre-employment checks which includes safeguarding training, obtaining references and ensuring compliance with Disclosure and Barring Service process.

Interviews are currently scheduled for the week commencing 17th November 2025.