Senior Planning Enforcement Officer

Somerset County Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

LGPS pension

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer to lead enforcement across Somerset. You will investigate breaches of planning control, conduct site visits and take enforcement action to ensure compliance with planning policy.

You will prepare reports, notices and represent the council at appeals and court proceedings when required. Based in Shepton Mallet with flexible and hybrid working arrangements, this permanent role offers 37 hours per week and a salary of £45,438 to

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Planning (or related field).
• RTPI membership desirable for eligibility.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation and enforcement.
• Experience with reports, notices and committee work.

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex enforcement and compliance matters across Somerset.
• Investigate breaches of planning control and carry out site visits.
• Prepare reports, notices and represent the council at appeals and court proceedings.
• Support junior colleagues and drive continuous service improvement.

Skills

Planning enforcement

Site inspections

Legal processes

Reports & notices

Analytical skills

Communication

Negotiation

Organisation

Education

Degree in Planning or related

RTPI membership desirable

Job description

Salary: Grade 9, ranging from £45,438 to £49,954 per annum, with a time limited recruitment allowance of £2,289 until 30/04/2028.

Contract: Permanent.

Hours: 37 hours a week, Based in Shepton Mallet (Full or Part Time)

Closing date: 30th November 2026

About the Role

Join Somerset Council and help shape the future of Somerset. As one of the UK's largest unitary authorities, we deliver a diverse range of high-profile planning projects, from major regeneration and housing growth to nationally significant infrastructure and rural development.

As a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer, you'll take the lead on complex enforcement and compliance matters across Somerset. You'll investigate breaches of planning control, carry out site visits, manage challenging cases, and take appropriate enforcement action to ensure developments comply with planning policy.

Working closely with colleagues, stakeholders and local communities, you'll provide expert advice, prepare reports and represent the council at appeals and court proceedings when required. You'll also support junior colleagues and help drive continuous improvement within our planning enforcement service.

Join a collaborative, forward-thinking team that offers flexibility, professional support and excellent opportunities for career development.

This is more than a planning role. It's your opportunity to shape the future of Somerset.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and enforcement
• Experience in planning enforcement, site inspections and legal processes
• Skilled in preparing reports, notices and committee presentations
• Degree-qualified in Planning (or related field), with RTPI membership desirable
• Strong analytical, communication, negotiation and organisation skills
• Able to interpret legislation, manage caseloads and work collaboratively with stakeholders

What You'll Bring

• Significant experience in planning enforcement within a local authority planning service
• Strong people-management and leadership skills, with experience leading large or complex teams
• Confidence advising elected members and senior officers on complex planning enforcement matters
• Sound understanding of planning legislation, decision-making and performance frameworks
• Degree-level qualification and MRTPI membership (or eligibility)

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.

• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.

• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• 30 days of annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
• We are happy to consider part time and flexible working patterns - we work hard to sustain a good work-life balance and are passionate about maintaining a positive and supportive working culture.
• Flexible and Hybrid working (1-2 days per week in the Office) based in Shepton Mallet.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: RP038 Senior Planning Enforcement Officer - Development Management.pdf

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