Planning Enforcement Officer (Career Grade)

Working on behalf of a Local Authority, Aatom Recruitment has an opportunity for Planning Enforcement Officer (Career Grade) on a 3 month contract with a possibility of an extension.

This position will be a total of 35 hours per week, with hours from 09:00am – 17:00pm.

Job Purpose:

To manage enforcement caseload including making recommendations and handling any appeals, and giving compliance and general planning advice in accordance with the Council’s Core Principles, Key Aims, Service Plans, Financial Regulations and Standing Orders and agreed procedures. To ensure the provision of a first class service to customers.

Job Specific Accountabilities:

• Possess the necessary knowledge and experience to undertake the duties assigned to the post within a specialist area (Enforcement).
• Undertake enforcement investigations, appeals and submissions under the Planning Acts, Orders and Regulations, including consultations, site visits, evaluation and negotiation with applicants/transgressors and other interested parties.
• Provide advice on possible breaches of planning control, including obtaining evidence, negotiation with interested parties, making recommendations for action, following up decisions on recommendations and instigating and effecting necessary legal proceedings in order to pursue breaches in planning controls.
• Prepare written documentation to a high standard, including complex reports and legal documentation. Prepare representations on behalf of the Council for appeals under the Planning Acts. To prepare such representations in compliance with the timetables required by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate. Prepare papers necessary for the pursuit of prosecutions.
• As a representative of the Council attend Court to give evidence. Provide expert support and advice and represent the Council as required.
• To use and assist others in the use of information technology systems to carry out duties in the most efficient and effective manner.
• To achieve agreed service outcomes and outputs, and personal appraisal targets, as agreed by the line manager.
• To undertake training and constructively take part in meetings, supervision, seminars and other events designed to improve communication and assist with the effective development of the post and post holder.
• The post holder is expected to be committed to the Council’s core values of public service, quality, equality and empowerment and to demonstrate this commitment in the way they carry out their duties
• Ensure all the services within the area(s) of responsibility are provided in accordance with the Council’s commitment to high quality service provision to users.
• Ensure that duties are undertaken with due regard and compliance with the Data Protection Act and other legislation.
• Carry out duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Council’s Health and Safety Policy and relevant Health and Safety legislation. At all times carrying out responsibilities/duties within the framework of the Council’s Dignity for all Policy. (Equal Opportunities Policy)

Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience:

• Hold a degree level qualification in an appropriate discipline and be able to complete a professional qualification related to the post held
• Possess good communication skills and have the ability to explain technical matters to service users
• Knowledge and experience of current legislation and working practices relating to the post applied for.
• Ability to write and present complex correspondence and reports on planning applications and/or enforcement investigations
• Ability to negotiate with applicants/transgressors and their agents and other interested parties on submissions/investigations under the planning acts
• Ability to prepare evidence for and initiate legal proceedings under planning legislation, and to give evidence at Hearings, Inquiries and/or Court Hearings
• Knowledge of planning enforcement procedures
• Ability to assess, evaluate and lead on pre-application negotiations
• Ability to carry out functions related to the processing of applications, including the validation of applications
• Ability to manage own workload with minimum supervision
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of high quality customer focused service delivery
• Ability to use IT resources to support the functions of the post (input/extract data/word processing/spreadsheets)

To get more information about this role and how to apply please contact Jordan.