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Planning Enforcement Officer

Salary - £30,269 – £44,803 (depending upon experience) plus a Car Allowance of up to £1,239

Fixed term contract: 12 months

Our Planning Enforcement team investigates all reports of alleged breaches of planning control which is a critical role within the Planning team and the wider Council.

As part of our wider planning department, you’ll have the opportunity to work with a variety of planning experts who’ll be on hand to help you with any queries you may have in your investigations.

You will need to develop and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, applicants, agents, solicitors and the wider community as part of providing an efficient and responsive customer-focussed service, ensuring the Enforcement service delivers excellent work. You’ll be a positive role model for the service and for your colleagues by inspiring trust through honesty and integrity.

You’ll be able to show initiative in solving problems with creative solutions and be comfortable mentoring and supporting colleagues.

As a committed team player, you’ll have excellent communication skills to interact with our customers and deliver a high-quality service.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• A Levels or equivalent level of education
• Effective negotiation skills
• Good Customer Service skills
• Proven experience of investigative work in a planning environment or similar

For appointment to the higher end of the career grade:

• Degree in Town Planning or relevant associate discipline
• Significant experience of inspections and investigations into breaches of planning control and be able to demonstrate a track record of making appropriate recommendations and decisions on the course of action
• Previous experience of mentoring junior colleagues

The vacant post will be of particular interest to someone currently working in Enforcement and looking for the next step in their career. There is an opportunity to mentor others and take on the more complex cases, supporting the Planning Enforcement Manager.

This role will be based at our Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1HG. We currently operate a hybrid working model for the majority of our roles where your working time will be divided between the office (2-3 days) and home working (2-3 days), dependent on service needs.

Due to the nature of the job, you will have a current driving licence and use of a car.

Do you want to know more about the role?

Please contact Sean Mitchell, Planning Enforcement Manager, on 01732 227749 for an informal discussion about the role.

For any agency enquiries, please contact Lucy Wraxall, HR Business Partner, on 01732 227383.

Please take a look at our Enforcement Plan and Statement of Community Involvement for more information about how we engage with our customers.

Do you want to ensure you have the best chance of being shortlisted?

Read the Job Description and Personal Specification attached to the role and ensure that your supporting statement explains how you meet the essential requirements as your application will be judged against these criteria.

Please note we do not provide sponsorship for employment in the UK

Closing date: 16th August 2026

Interviews: Thursday 27th August 2026 and Friday 28th August 2026

Equal Opportunities:
Sevenoaks – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Sevenoaks District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Application notes:
Please apply online. If this is not possible, please contact a member of the HR team by emailing human.resources@sevenoaks.gov.uk to discuss how we can assist you in applying.