Planning / Senior Planning Enforcement Officer

Senior (Grade 5-6) Salary £35,520 - £42,771pa / Planning Enforcement Officer (Grade 3-4) Salary £29,436 - £33,987pa

Service: Planning Enforcement, Development Management

Directorate: Planning and Public Protection

Location: Havering, with hybrid working opportunities

Grade: Career Grade G3-G6 (depending on qualifications, experience and competency)

Help Shape Havering's Future

The London Borough of Havering is one of London's fastest-growing boroughs, with ambitious regeneration and development plans transforming communities across the area. We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic Planning Enforcement professionals to join our Planning Enforcement Team and play a vital role in ensuring development across the borough is delivered in accordance with planning legislation and the Havering Local Plan.

Whether you are starting your career in planning enforcement or are an experienced practitioner looking for your next challenge, our Career Grade structure offers a clear pathway for professional development and progression.

About The Role

As a Planning Enforcement Officer, you will manage a diverse caseload of planning enforcement investigations, helping to protect the character and quality of the borough while supporting sustainable growth and regeneration.

Working as part of a supportive and professional team, you will:

• Investigate alleged breaches of planning control.
• Undertake site inspections and gather evidence.
• Prepare and serve enforcement notices and other formal documentation.
• Draft reports, witness statements and prosecution papers where required.
• Represent and defend the Council's decisions through the appeals process.
• Provide excellent customer service to residents, businesses, councillors and other stakeholders.
• Manage cases effectively to achieve performance and quality targets.

Senior officers will take responsibility for larger, more complex and specialised enforcement investigations, exercising greater autonomy and professional judgement.

About You

We are looking for candidates with excellent communication skills, sound judgement, strong organisational abilities and a commitment to delivering high-quality public services.

You will be able to:

• Analyse complex issues and make balanced recommendations.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally.
• Manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Build positive relationships with customers and stakeholders.
• Work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity and excellent customer service.

Essential Requirements

Planning Enforcement Officer (Grades 3-4)

You will have:

• A-Levels or equivalent qualifications suitable for entry to an RTPI-accredited degree programme (Grade 3);
• A fully RTPI-accredited degree, a non-accredited planning degree, another degree qualification, or relevant planning enforcement experience (Grade 4).

Senior Planning Enforcement Officer (Grades 5-6)

You will have:

• A fully RTPI-accredited degree with relevant post-qualification experience;
• A non-planning or non-accredited planning degree with relevant experience;
• Extensive planning enforcement experience. For Grade 5 and Grade 6 appointments, evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is required.

What We Offer

• A structured Career Grade progression framework.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Exposure to a varied and challenging caseload.
• Opportunities to contribute to major regeneration and development projects.
• Supportive team environment and flexible working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension Scheme and comprehensive employee benefits package.

Additional Information

• A full, valid driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Attendance at site visits across the borough.
• Occasional evening, weekend and out-of-hours working to support investigations, meetings and service requirements.

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

London Borough of Havering is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Neil.Goate@havering.gov.uk

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 27/09/2026, however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview date to be confirmed.

ABOUT US

With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering has a unique offer as a place to live, work and visit. By making the most of its position and opportunities, Havering is becoming a hub for start-ups and expanding businesses, as well as construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries.

Find out why you should work for Havering Council.

The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.