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- Tasks: Lead complex planning enforcement cases to protect the local environment and uphold planning standards.
- Company: Join Forest of Dean District Council, dedicated to a sustainable future for our community.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, health cash plan, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a unique landscape while mentoring junior officers.
- Qualifications: Planning degree, RTPI membership eligibility, and 5+ years in planning enforcement required.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 48000 £ per year.
About The Role
Forest of Dean District Council is seeking an experienced Senior Planning Enforcement Officer to join our Development Management service within the Communities and Place Directorate. Set within one of the UK’s most distinctive landscapes, the Forest of Dean offers an exceptional planning context—ranging from historic woodlands and market towns to innovative regeneration and renewable energy projects. You will work within the planning team seeking to ensure that this unique area is protected from inappropriate development and that planning permissions deliver their intended benefits to the local community and environment.
This is a key senior role, taking the lead on complex and sensitive planning enforcement matters to protect the local environment, uphold planning standards, and safeguard the reputation of the Local Planning Authority. You will manage enforcement cases from investigation through to resolution, including appeals and prosecution where necessary, exercising sound professional judgement and a high level of technical expertise.
Working largely autonomously, you will undertake site visits, prepare clear and robust reports and case notes, negotiate outcomes with stakeholders, and provide expert advice to colleagues, councillors and customers. You will also play an important mentoring role, supporting junior officers and contributing to continuous service improvement. This role offers variety, responsibility and the opportunity to make a genuine impact within a supportive and professional planning team.
You will need essential:
- A planning or related degree
- Eligibility for full Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
- Substantial professional experience in planning enforcement (typically 5+ years)
- Experience of leading complex enforcement cases, including appeals and prosecution
- Strong negotiation skills and the ability to resolve complex issues calmly and confidently
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage your own caseload independently and meet statutory deadlines
- Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders and elected members
- Competence using a range of IT systems, including Microsoft Office and Teams
Desirable:
- Chartered Membership of RTPI (MRTPI)
- Knowledge or experience of project management
- Membership or eligibility for membership of a relevant professional body
Special Conditions:
- Hybrid working is available, with a minimum of one day per week in the office
- Regular site visits across the district are required
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes is essential
- Some additional hours may be required in line with service needs
What we can do for you:
- Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
- Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
- 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service
- In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice
- Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
- Generous contributory local government pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
- Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
About The Organisation:
Forest of Dean District Council is dedicated to creating a vibrant and sustainable future for our community. Our priorities are centred on fostering thriving communities by empowering and engaging residents, enhancing infrastructure, promoting community well-being, and ensuring social equity. We are committed to decarbonisation and nature recovery, focusing on renewable energy transitions, energy efficiency, transport transformation, nature recovery, and food resilience. Additionally, we strive to build a sustainable economy through the promotion of a circular economy, robust business support, workforce skill development, sustainable town initiatives, and the preservation of natural capital.
Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email. Forest of Dean District Council is committed to meeting its statutory and moral duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people under 18 years of age and adults at risk who are the recipients of its services and/or activities. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.
Senior Planning Enforcement Officer in Cirencester employer: Forest of Dean District Council
Contact Detail:
Forest of Dean District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Enforcement Officer in Cirencester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Forest of Dean District Council and its values. Research their projects and initiatives, especially around planning enforcement and community engagement. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer, you'll need to resolve complex issues confidently. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to sharpen your approach and get comfortable with different outcomes.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for site visits by familiarising yourself with the local area and any recent developments. Being knowledgeable about the landscape and its planning context will give you an edge when discussing cases and making decisions on the spot.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team and contributing to the fantastic work we do at Forest of Dean District Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Enforcement Officer in Cirencester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Planning Enforcement Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in planning enforcement and any specific cases you've managed that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your negotiation skills and ability to resolve complex issues. Use examples from your past work to demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated similar challenges.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Ensure your reports and case notes are well-structured and easy to read. This will reflect your excellent written communication skills, which are essential for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forest of Dean District Council
✨Know Your Planning Enforcement Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning enforcement regulations and case law. Being able to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully negotiated outcomes in complex situations. This role requires strong negotiation skills, so be ready to demonstrate your ability to resolve issues calmly and confidently during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Autonomy
Since this position involves working largely independently, think of instances where you've managed your own caseload effectively. Highlight your time management skills and how you've met statutory deadlines in previous roles.
✨Engage with the Community Focus
Forest of Dean District Council is all about community well-being. Be prepared to discuss how your work in planning enforcement has positively impacted local communities and how you can contribute to their goals of sustainability and social equity.