Planning Officer, Enforcement

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Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

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 are we looking for?

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 the role involve?

• 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 skills, knowledge and abilities do you require for the role?

• Experience in planning and the application of expert knowledge within a 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?

• Competitive salary & pension scheme.
• A friendly, supportive team.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Hybrid working.

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.

About Wealden

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.

Ethical Use of AI in Applications

We welcome innovation and do not automatically exclude candidates who use AI tools during the application process. However, we assess each application to ensure the candidate genuinely understands the role and its requirements.

AI may be used ethically and responsibly, provided it supports, rather than compromises our core values of integrity, transparency, and fairness. During assessments and interviews, candidates must present their own skills and experience without assistance from others, external resources, or AI, unless explicitly instructed otherwise.