Planning Enforcement Officer

Planning Enforcement Officer 5 Month Contract

Location: Worcester City Centre
Rate: 22.41 per hour (Umbrella)
Working Pattern: Hybrid 1 day office-based 4 days remote
Contract: Temporary (5 Months)
Pay: Bi-weekly

Requirement:

• Ability to attend urgent site visits at short notice (MondayFriday)
  

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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.

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Key Responsibilities

Planning Enforcement Case Management

• Manage a caseload of approximately 70100 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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Working Environment

• 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

Essential:

• 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

Essential:

• 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.
  

Desirable:

• Experience conducting interviews under caution.
  
• Local authority planning enforcement experience.
  

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Skills & Competencies

• 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

Essential:

• Relevant qualification in Planning Town Planning Environmental Management or a related discipline.
  

Desirable:

• 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.
  
• Rate: 22.41 per hour (Umbrella).
  
• 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.
  
• Immediate start available.
  

Required Skills:

Requirements: Experience in a customer-focused or administrative role. Proficiency in using multiple software systems to manage data raise orders and track progress. Experience in handling repairs housing or property-related administration (desirable). Proven ability to input data accurately and efficiently. Qualifications & Skills Strong communication skills both written and verbal. Ability to manage workload independently with minimal supervision. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities. Confidence in handling customer interactions and resolving issues. Attention to detail and high level of accuracy. Competency in using Microsoft Office and other relevant systems. Additional Information 6-month temporary contract. Pay is provided on a bi-weekly basis. Agile working policy (combination of home and office-based working in Loughborough). Must be flexible and responsive to changing workloads and priorities.

Employment Type : Full Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1