At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning enforcement and manage compliance across Somerset, handling complex cases.
- Company: Join Somerset Council, a major authority shaping impactful planning projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, 30 days leave, and extensive professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your career in planning.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning or related field, with experience in planning enforcement.
The predicted salary is between 41771 - 46142 £ per year.
Salary: £41,771 to £46,142 per annum, with a time limited recruitment allowance of £2,289 per annum until 28/02/2027. This role is based in Shepton Mallet. Join Somerset Council – one of the largest unitary authorities in the country – and work on some of the most varied and high‑profile planning projects in the UK. From major regeneration and nationally significant infrastructure to town centres, rural development and housing growth, you’ll help shape places that matter.
Following local government reorganisation, we’re a single, ambitious council serving nearly 600,000 residents. Our scale and stability offer excellent career development across Development Management, Enforcement, Planning Policy, and Minerals & Waste – including work linked to Hinkley Point C and the Somerset-wide Local Plan. You’ll join a collaborative, forward‑thinking planning service with embedded flexibility, strong professional support and real opportunities to grow.
This role is subject to regrading which is anticipated to supersede the current recruitment allowance.
Role summary
As a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer, you will lead and manage planning enforcement and compliance across Somerset, handling complex cases and breaches of planning control. You’ll investigate complaints, carry out site visits, and take appropriate enforcement action to address unauthorised development. Working closely with colleagues, stakeholders and the public, you’ll provide clear planning guidance and ensure developments meet local and national policies. You’ll prepare reports, statements and represent the council at appeals and court where required, maintaining accurate records throughout. You’ll also support and mentor junior staff and help drive continuous improvement in planning enforcement.
What you’ll do - key responsibilities
- Investigate breaches of planning control and carry out site inspections
- Monitor development sites to ensure compliance with planning permissions
- Prepare enforcement notices, legal documents, and committee reports
- Provide clear advice to residents, developers, and stakeholders
- Represent the council at appeals, inquiries, and legal proceedings
- Keep accurate records of cases and enforcement actions
- Work with internal teams and external partners to resolve issues
- Support and mentor junior colleagues
- Help develop and improve enforcement policies and procedures
- Ensure all actions follow legislation and council policies
What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills
- Comprehensive understanding of planning legislation, enforcement procedures, and legal processes
- Knowledge of local and national planning policies, including the Town and Country Planning Act
- Knowledge of data protection and confidentiality requirements
- Proven experience in planning enforcement or a related field
- Experience conducting site visits and inspections
- Experience preparing and serving enforcement notices
- Experience preparing reports and presenting at planning committees
- Experience representing an organisation at appeals and court proceedings
- Degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or a related field
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. RTPI)
- Evidence of continuous professional development in planning and enforcement
- Excellent investigative and analytical skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation
- Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to work independently and manage a diverse caseload
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders
- Aware of environmental and sustainability issues related to planning
- Experience of the Proceeds of Crime Act
- Experience mentoring or supervising junior staff
- Professional qualification in planning enforcement
- Training in legal aspects of planning enforcement
- Proficiency in using planning and enforcement software
Additional Information
- Permanent, 37 hours a week.
- Flexible and Hybrid working (1-2 days per week in the Office)
- 30 days annual leave, not including Bank Holidays.
- Extensive CPD and peer support.
- Opportunity to work on a wide range of interesting projects, offering unique opportunities to develop your experience and skills.
Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Dawn deVries at dawn.devries@somerset.gov.uk or Neil Waddleton at neil.waddleton@somerset.gov.uk. A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.
Senior Planning Enforcement Lead – Hybrid Role in Shepton Mallet employer: Somerset-Council-1
Join Somerset Council, a leading unitary authority in the UK, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our communities through diverse and impactful planning projects. Our collaborative and forward-thinking work culture fosters professional growth, offering extensive training and support, alongside a flexible hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. With a commitment to continuous improvement and mentorship, this is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful contribution while advancing their careers in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Enforcement Lead – Hybrid Role in Shepton Mallet
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the planning enforcement field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on 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 brushing up on your knowledge of planning legislation and recent case studies. Be ready to discuss how you've handled complex cases in the past. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your mentoring experience! As a Senior Planning Enforcement Lead, you'll be guiding junior staff, so highlight any relevant experience you have in supporting and developing others during your interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that role! It shows you're serious about joining Somerset Council and gives us a clear view of your application. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Enforcement Lead – Hybrid Role in Shepton Mallet
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 Skills:Emphasise your investigative and analytical skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can handle complex cases, so give us examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your experience and qualifications. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
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 to join our team at Somerset Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset-Council-1
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on your understanding of planning legislation and enforcement procedures. Be ready to discuss the Town and Country Planning Act and how it applies to real-world scenarios. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Prepare for Site Visit Scenarios
Think about potential site visit scenarios you might encounter in this role. Prepare to explain how you would handle specific breaches of planning control, including the steps you’d take to investigate and enforce compliance. This demonstrates your practical experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex planning issues in the past, whether through reports, presentations, or direct interactions. This will highlight your strong verbal and written communication abilities.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentoring Experience
Since this role involves supporting and mentoring junior staff, be ready to share your experiences in leadership. Discuss how you've guided others in their professional development and contributed to team success. This will show that you’re not only capable of managing your own caseload but also fostering growth in others.
