Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing the built environment? Do you enjoy investigating issues, solving problems, and working with a wide range of people? If so, we have an exciting opportunity to join our Planning Service as an Assistant Planning Enforcement Officer. As part of a busy area-based Development Management Team, you will play an important role in supporting the delivery of an effective planning enforcement service. Working alongside experienced enforcement professionals, you will help investigate breaches of planning control, support enforcement action where necessary, and contribute to maintaining high-quality places across the area. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop a career in planning enforcement, development management, or a related planning discipline.
- Investigate and respond to complaints regarding potential breaches of planning control.
- Undertake site inspections and monitor approved developments to ensure compliance with planning permissions and conditions.
- Work with residents, businesses, developers, and other stakeholders to resolve planning issues through negotiation where possible.
- Manage a caseload of minor planning enforcement matters and support investigations into more complex cases.
- Assist in preparing reports, recommendations, and statutory enforcement documentation.
- Support the preparation of evidence for planning appeals and legal proceedings.
- Provide advice and guidance to members of the public, elected members, and colleagues on planning enforcement matters.
- Assist senior officers with multi-agency projects and enforcement initiatives.
- Contribute to achieving service performance standards and delivering excellent customer service.
You will need to have an NVQ4 in Business Administration or equivalent in a relevant subject OR significant recent experience of development control and planning enforcement procedures and processes or other regulatory enforcement services. - We're looking for someone who is:
- Organised, methodical, and able to manage a varied workload.
- An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
- Confident dealing with members of the public and a wide range of stakeholders.
- Able to analyse information and make reasoned recommendations.
- Committed to delivering high standards of customer service.
- Comfortable working independently as well as part of a team.
- Interested in planning, development, the built environment, or regulatory services.
- Applicants with experience in planning, enforcement, local government, environmental regulation, property, legal services, or customer-focused investigation work.
- We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years' continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
Assistant Planning Enforcement Officer in North East employer: Instagram
Durham County Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact local governance and community well-being. With a strong emphasis on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a competitive rewards package, you will find ample opportunities for growth and collaboration in this supportive setting. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the community while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
