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- Tasks: Lead complex planning enforcement cases to protect the local environment and community.
- Company: Join Forest of Dean District Council, dedicated to sustainable community development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, health cash plan, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a unique landscape while mentoring junior officers.
- Qualifications: Planning degree, RTPI eligibility, and 5+ years in planning enforcement required.
- Other info: Hybrid working with site visits; great career growth opportunities await!
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 Coleford 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 Coleford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning sector, attend local events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Forest of Dean District Council and its projects. Show genuine interest in their initiatives and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your expertise in planning enforcement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves resolving complex issues, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor. This will help you articulate your approach confidently during interviews.
✨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 serious about joining the team at Forest of Dean District Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Enforcement Officer in Coleford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning enforcement. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use professional language but keep it friendly – we’re looking for someone who can engage effectively with stakeholders.
Highlight Your Experience: Don’t forget to mention your substantial experience in managing complex enforcement cases. We love seeing examples of how you’ve successfully navigated challenges in the past, so share those stories!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and you’ll find all the details you need to make your submission shine!
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 your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific enforcement situations. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully resolved complex issues, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since negotiation is key in this role, prepare to discuss times when you've had to negotiate outcomes with stakeholders. Highlight your calm approach and ability to find mutually beneficial solutions.
✨Demonstrate Your Mentoring Experience
As a senior officer, you'll be expected to mentor junior staff. Be ready to share examples of how you've supported colleagues in the past, whether through training, guidance, or collaborative projects.
