Planning Officer, Planning Enforcement

Wealden District Council; Hailsham; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Wealden District Council seeks an experienced Planning Enforcement Officer to ensure compliance in development and protect the environment. The role involves investigating breaches, preparing reports, and liaising with various stakeholders. Candidates must have robust planning knowledge and exceptional communication skills.

Benefits

Excellent salary and pension

Flexible working options

Comprehensive health & wellbeing scheme

Professional development opportunities

Free parking

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge within an enforcement and development management context.
• Experience defending council actions at appeal.
• Ability to deal with conflicting demands professionally.

Responsibilities

• Investigating breaches of planning control in various settings.
• Preparing reports and recommendations for enforcement proceedings.
• Providing advice and negotiations for optimal outcomes.

Skills

Customer service skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Experience in planning and enforcement

Knowledge of relevant law and policy

Job description

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37

Location: Hailsham / Hybrid

Are you an experienced planner that wants to ensure that development is carried out in a compliant manner as well as protecting our environment and communities from unauthorised works? Then this role is for you!

Who?

The Planning Enforcement Team is dedicated to ensuring our communities have a good quality of life and that our built and natural environments are protected by taking robust but proportionate action in relation to breaches of planning control.

This role would consider a variety of breaches of planning in the district, so we’re looking for someone who has experience in investigating such matters and is able to conclude them effectively and efficiently.

What will you be doing?

• Investigating breaches of planning control, in a variety of urban and rural settings.
• Preparing reports to make recommendations on appropriate enforcement proceedings, presenting those schemes to planning committee where required.
• Providing advice and conducting negotiations with contraveners to achieve the best possible outcomes and deliver 5-star customer service.
• Liaising with various stakeholders, including residents, officers from other service sections, elected members, and external bodies ensuring they are appropriately updated ion the progress and outcome of investigation.
• Providing informal support and mentoring for junior officers.

What do you need?

• Experience in planning and the application of expert knowledge within an enforcement and development management context.
• Customer service skills, being particularly adept at speaking with those who have conflicting demands and priorities.
• Knowledge of relevant law, policy and guidance related to planning and related matters.
• Communication and negotiation skills, being able to discuss breaches in a clear, constructive, and professional manner to achieve robust and proportionate outcomes.
• Experience of defending actions taken by the Council at appeal or via legal proceedings.

What do we offer?

• Working for a great, forward-thinking Local Authority.
• Excellent salary, pension, flexible working, fantastic employee benefits and comprehensive staff health & wellbeing scheme.
• A friendly, supportive team and a range of opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Hybrid working with the ability to work from home as well as from our newly refurbished offices in Hailsham.
• Free parking.
• Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK.

For more information

For more information and an informal chat about the opportunity please contact Jon Honeysett, Planning Enforcement Team Leader, on 01892 602409 or Samuel Batchelor, Development Manager, on 01892 602552.

Post Number: H4005

Closing Date: 4 July 2025

Interview Date: W/c 14th July 2025

Wealden District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities and all applications will be treated on merit.

To Apply

Please visit our ‘How to Apply’ page for advice on how best to complete your application.

Click on the “Apply Online Now” link to be taken to our online recruitment portal. You will be prompted to log in to your existing account or create a new one. Remember to add a contact email address and mobile number when applying.

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If you are unable to apply online, have a query or require an alternative application method, please email [e-mail] or call 01892 602424. Make sure you know the post number and include it in your email or provide it when asked during your telephone call.

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See our How to Apply page for guidance on how to complete your application.