Principal Planning Enforcement Officer

Dacorum Borough Council; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Dacorum Borough Council is seeking a self-motivated and flexible Principal Planning Enforcement Officer. This role involves leading a team, managing planning enforcement issues, and delivering high-quality services to enhance local conditions. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills and a valid UK driving license.

Qualifications

• Strong persuasion, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to advise customers on compliance.
• Experience leading a dedicated team.

Responsibilities

• Leading a small team to manage planning and environmental issues.
• Conduct assessments of harm and expediency.
• Attend court proceedings and committee hearings.

Skills

Persuasion

Negotiation

Communication

Job description

Job Description

Permanent

Ref: P0755

Why come to Dacorum?

Just a 25-minute train journey from the centre of London, Dacorum is located just outside the M25 and includes the towns of Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, and Tring. It is an active, green area known for business, enterprise, and ambition. We receive exciting applications from our towns and rural areas, including the Green Belt, offering valuable experience to develop your planning career.

Our planning department is innovative and ambitious, handling a high volume of major applications and leading in planning system advancements.

What is the opportunity?

Are you self-motivated, flexible, and passionate about delivering excellent services and driving positive change? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment that values teamwork, inclusion, and respect? We are seeking a Principal Planning Enforcement Officer to join Dacorum Borough Council. Our team manages a wide range of planning and environmental issues with a proactive enforcement approach.

The team utilizes a full range of skills effectively and innovatively to improve conditions for residents across Dacorum. You will need strong persuasion, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to advise customers on compliance and conduct appropriate assessments of harm and expediency.

This role involves leading a small, dedicated team and taking enforcement actions when necessary, including attending court proceedings, committee hearings, and handling enforcement appeals. Confidence in decision-making and stakeholder engagement, along with professionalism, are essential. This is a great opportunity to join a high-performing team committed to delivering high-quality services.

This position includes a market forces supplement of £5,000 per annum, subject to review in Spring 2027.

Further information

The successful candidate must be driven, enthusiastic, and reliable.

Applicants must hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle or reliable transport to access urban and rural locations.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity or have questions, please email Tobias Fett at: [e-mail].

Interview dates are scheduled between 28th July and 7th August 2025.