Planning Enforcement Officer

Civic Recruitment Limited; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The Planning Enforcement Officer role in Worcester City Centre is a 5-month temporary contract managed by Civic Recruitment Limited. The position requires investigation and enforcement of planning control breaches, with a caseload of 70–100 cases and regular site visits.

Hybrid working is offered (1 day in the office, 4 days remote). Candidates should have knowledge of planning legislation, enforcement procedures, and strong report-writing skills. Local authority experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Excellent investigative and analytical skills.
• Strong organisational and case management abilities.
• Excellent written communication and report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of planning enforcement complaints (70–100).
• Conduct site visits and inspect planning documents and site histories.
• Draft enforcement notices, warnings, and court-related documents.
• Assist with prosecutions and interviews under caution as required.

Skills

Investigation

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Communication

Report writing

Negotiation

Independent judgement

Education

Planning/Town Planning or Environmental Management qualification

Job description

Worcester, United Kingdom | Posted on 02/07/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That's why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector‑specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre‑screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

Planning Enforcement Officer – 5 Month Contract

Location: Worcester City Centre

Working Pattern: Hybrid - 1 day office-based, 4 days remote

Contract: Temporary (5 Months)

Requirement:

• Ability to attend urgent site visits at short notice (Monday–Friday)

Job Description

Job Purpose

This temporary 5-month contract role is crucial for investigating and resolving alleged breaches of planning control. The position ensures compliance with planning legislation and local authority policies. You will handle a diverse caseload of planning enforcement complaints, conducting investigations, assessing evidence, determining appropriate actions, and supporting formal enforcement proceedings when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

Planning Enforcement Case Management

• Manage a caseload of approximately 70–100 planning enforcement complaints.
• Investigate new complaints and review the progress of existing cases.
• Assess alleged breaches of planning control and determine appropriate next steps.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records throughout investigations.

Site Investigations & Assessments

• Conduct site visits and inspections to investigate planning concerns.
• Review planning permissions, site histories, legal documents, and drawings.
• Assess compliance with planning legislation and regulations.
• Consider matters relating to heritage assets, conservation areas, and protected trees where applicable.

Enforcement Action

• Gather evidence to support enforcement investigations.
• Draft warning letters, planning enforcement notices, and related documentation.
• Prepare evidence and case files for prosecution where required.
• Conduct interviews under caution in accordance with relevant procedures.

Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with complainants, alleged offenders, councillors, colleagues, and external agencies.
• Provide clear updates on case progress and enforcement actions.
• Handle sensitive and potentially contentious issues professionally and diplomatically.

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports.
• Draft professional correspondence and enforcement documentation.
• Ensure records are maintained in accordance with legal and audit requirements.

Prioritisation & Performance

• Prioritise cases based on risk and service priorities.
• Deliver timely and effective enforcement outcomes.
• Contribute to maintaining a high-quality planning enforcement service.

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• Hybrid working arrangement with 1 day office-based and 4 days remote.
• Regular site visits and inspections required.
• Fast-paced environment managing a varied and complex caseload.
• Direct interaction with residents, businesses, councillors, and stakeholders.

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Person Specification

Knowledge

• Knowledge of planning legislation and enforcement procedures.
• Understanding of planning application processes and planning policy.
• Knowledge of enforcement notices, appeals, and prosecution processes.
• Understanding of heritage assets, conservation issues, and protected trees.

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Experience

• Experience working in planning enforcement or a related planning role.
• Experience managing planning enforcement investigations and complaints.
• Experience carrying out site inspections and evidence gathering.
• Experience writing detailed reports and professional correspondence.
• Experience conducting interviews under caution.
• Local authority planning enforcement experience.

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• Excellent investigative and analytical skills.
• Strong organisational and case management abilities.
• Ability to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written communication and report-writing skills.
• Strong verbal communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to interpret plans, legal documents, and planning records.
• Ability to work independently and make sound professional judgments.

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Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Planning, Town Planning, Environmental Management, or a related discipline.
• Membership of, or working towards membership of, a relevant professional body such as RTPI.

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Additional Information

• This is a 5-month temporary contract.
• Hybrid working - 1 day office-based, 4 days remote.
• Pay is provided on a bi-weekly basis.
• Opportunity to work within a busy Planning Enforcement team.