At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure new developments meet high standards and investigate planning control breaches.
- Company: Join a top-rated organisation in a vibrant and innovative area.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, and a fantastic benefits package.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment focused on career development and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic community while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experienced in planning enforcement with strong communication and investigative skills.
The predicted salary is between 38704 - 51393 £ per year.
£38,704 - £51,393 (Grade F/G) depending on skills and experience
Location: Civic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2QY / Flexible
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Flexible Hours/Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: No
Closing Date: 06/09/2026 at 23:59
Reference: SR/26/341961
We have an ambitious development agenda and have a vacancy for a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer in our Development Management team to help ensure new development accords with the high standards expected for development within the district.
Ranked in the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the UK, and in Lonely Planet as one of the best places to visit in the world, Folkestone & Hythe is a dynamic and innovative place to live, work and visit.
Based in our offices in the heart of Folkestone, you’ll have easy access to transport links including HS1, Folkestone’s regenerated town centre, the seafront and old town creative quarter, and our extraordinary and vibrant landscapes and communities.
Recognised by Best Companies as an outstanding organisation to work for, we have a real focus on supporting career development, wellbeing and family friendly initiatives, and a hybrid agile working culture that enables flexible and remote/home working.
You can also expect an excellent benefits package that includes corporate membership, discount and salary sacrifice schemes, reimbursement of professional membership fees, up to 31 days holiday and Christmas closure, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, and much, much more.
About you
You will be an experienced planning enforcement professional with a strong working knowledge of planning enforcement legislation, policy and practice. Confident working on your own initiative, you will have experience investigating complex breaches of planning control, gathering evidence to the required standard, drafting formal notices and witness statements, and making sound professional judgements on contentious cases.
You will be a skilled communicator and negotiator who can build effective relationships with colleagues, councillors, developers, agents and members of the public. Resilient and professional, you will be comfortable dealing with challenging and occasionally confrontational situations, balancing strong enforcement action with a practical and proactive approach to achieving positive outcomes.
Excellent investigative, report-writing and organisational skills are essential, along with the ability to manage a varied caseload and prioritise competing demands.
For more information, please see the attached job description and person specification.
The closing date for the receipt of all completed applications is 23:59 on 6th September 2026. Interviews will take place on w/c 21st September 2026.
For an informal discussion please contact: Lisette Patching, CIL & Enforcement Team Leader at: lisette.patching@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk / 01303 853448 or Rob Bailey, Development & Enforcement Manager at: rob.bailey@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk / 01303 85367.
Senior Planning Enforcement Officer in Folkestone employer: Folkestone Hythe
Folkestone & Hythe District Council is an excellent employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and development, offering flexible working arrangements and a generous leave package, including up to 31 days of annual leave plus additional benefits. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the council fosters a collaborative work culture where your contributions directly impact the local community, making this role not just a job, but a meaningful career opportunity.
