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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate and monitor planning control breaches while engaging with the community.
- Company: Join North Somerset Council, dedicated to a fair and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning enforcement or related fields is essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a supportive team and diverse staff groups.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 an Enforcement Officer or Senior Enforcement Officer (Grade 6 or Grade 7 – 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. Resolving issues through discussion and negotiation is also a key part of the role. You will spend much of your time out and about visiting sites but will also work from home or the office to assess and collate evidence. 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.
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 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. A valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Tasks relating to the investigation of alleged breaches of planning control to include site inspections, negotiating, and monitoring in respect of unauthorised development and other breaches of planning control.
- Tasks relating to proactive compliance and monitoring of planning permissions.
- 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, 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 individual who is passionate about development management, 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.
- Valid driving license and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel.
Desirable Criteria
- Undergraduate Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
- Eligibility for membership of RTPI.
- Customer service experience.
What 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.
How to Apply
If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact Chris Nolan, Delivery and Enforcement Service Manager at chris.nolan@n-somerset.gov.uk.
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: Thursday 19 February 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 Officer/Senior Planning Officer (Enforcement) in Weston-super-Mare employer: North Somerset Council
Contact Detail:
North Somerset Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer/Senior Planning Officer (Enforcement) in Weston-super-Mare
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on North Somerset Council and the Delivery and Enforcement Team. Understanding their values and recent projects can help you connect during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to planning enforcement and think about how your experience aligns with the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, be ready to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated in past roles. Share specific examples that highlight your negotiation and relationship-building abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer/Senior Planning Officer (Enforcement) in Weston-super-Mare
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for planning and enforcement shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a positive impact in North Somerset!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in planning or enforcement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of planning policy and legislation, as this will really catch our eye.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate good communication skills, so make sure your writing is clear and easy to follow. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at North Somerset Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Somerset Council
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning policies and legislation relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the Town and Country Planning Act and any recent changes that may affect enforcement. This will show your commitment and understanding of the field.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since good communication is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders in the past. Think about times when you’ve resolved conflicts or negotiated solutions, as these experiences will be valuable to share during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles related to planning or enforcement. Highlight how you approached these issues, the steps you took to resolve them, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to think on your feet.
✨Prepare for Site Inspection Scenarios
Since the role involves site inspections, consider preparing for questions related to how you would handle various scenarios on-site. Think about what factors you would assess and how you would document your findings. This will help you convey your practical experience and readiness for the job.
