At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate planning breaches and monitor unauthorised airport parking.
- Company: Join North Somerset Council, dedicated to community service and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Hybrid working environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning enforcement or related fields; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 31022 £ per year.
Welcome to North Somerset Council’s Web Recruitment page where you will find details of our current vacancies.
About Us
North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.
The Role
We are seeking a Planning Enforcement Officer (Grade 5 or 6 – depending on skills and experience) to join our Delivery and Enforcement Team. We are a well-staffed and high performing team that are responsible for investigating, monitoring and where appropriate taking action against alleged breaches of planning controls. The main responsibility of the fixed term post will be to support existing enforcement officers in monitoring and taking action against unauthorised airport parking. You will spend much of your time out and about driving between sites but will also work from home or the office to assess and collate evidence.
The position requires either experience of enforcement of legislation or working knowledge of Town and Country planning law preferably with some experience relevant to the role. Good communication skills and a strong attention to detail are important. While this position is based in the Town Hall, Weston-Super-Mare we operate a hybrid working environment. Most of the team predominantly work from home however we encourage staff to come into the office as much as possible. This is a fixed term role for one year.
North Somerset is a constrained area in planning terms with Green Belt, National Landscapes, extensive areas vulnerable to flooding and other sensitive environments. Our challenges are wide ranging and as a result the role provides a great opportunity to develop your experience and skills. A full valid driving licence is an essential condition for this role.
Key Responsibilities:
- Tasks relating to the investigation of alleged breaches of planning control, primarily in relation to unauthorised airport car parking, to include site inspections and monitoring of unauthorised development.
- Assist in the delivery of the relevant actions set out in the Parking Action Plan covering areas surrounding Bristol Airport.
- Assist in the preparation of cases for enforcement or other legal action within appropriate timescales including statements in relation to appeal and court proceedings.
- Manage effective relationships with applicants, landowners, agents, town and parish councils, council employees and the public.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and customers both verbally and in writing through the appropriate use of case or site notes and other records.
About You
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who is ready for an exciting challenge and who possesses the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria:
- Vocational qualification or evidence of working to academic level 3 or 4 relevant to planning practice.
- Practical experience of working within a planning / enforcement or related environment.
- Demonstrate a good understanding of planning policy, legislation, processes and practices.
- Demonstrate the ability to diffuse and manage confrontational situations.
- Full valid driving license.
Desirable Criteria:
- Undergraduate Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
- Experience of digital tools such as data management and GIS mapping systems.
- Eligibility for membership of RTPI.
- Customer service experience.
What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Local Government Pension.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
- Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
- Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
- Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.
Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our benefits booklet.
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact Chris Nolan, Delivery and Enforcement Service Manager.
Important Information
As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role. Interview Date: Monday 28 September 2026.
Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.
Equal Opportunities
At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.
Planning Enforcement Officer employer: North Somerset Council
North Somerset Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises the voices of children, young people, and families. With a strong commitment to employee development and growth opportunities, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in safeguarding practices while enjoying the benefits of a supportive community in a vibrant location. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and champions positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Enforcement Officer
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We think you need these skills to ace Planning Enforcement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for North Somerset Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Somerset Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with North Somerset Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for North Somerset Council.
