At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning enforcement and manage compliance across Somerset, handling complex cases.
- Company: Join Somerset Council, a large and ambitious unitary authority.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 30 days leave, and extensive professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and mentoring.
- Why this job: Shape important planning projects and make a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning enforcement and a degree in a related field.
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 Officer in Shepton Mallet employer: Somerset-Council-1
Join Somerset Council, a leading unitary authority in the UK, where you will play a pivotal role as a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer in Shepton Mallet. Our collaborative and forward-thinking work culture fosters professional growth, offering extensive career development opportunities across various planning sectors, while our flexible working arrangements and commitment to employee well-being ensure a rewarding and balanced work environment. With a focus on impactful projects that shape communities, you'll find meaningful work that contributes to the future of nearly 600,000 residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Enforcement Officer 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 give you a leg up.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local and national planning policies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Planning Enforcement Officer and how you can contribute to Somerset Council's goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your previous work, like reports or enforcement notices you've prepared. This will help demonstrate your expertise and give interviewers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Somerset Council and contributing to exciting planning projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Enforcement Officer 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 Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of planning legislation and local policies in your application. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so include examples of how you’ve applied this knowledge in past roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised 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 us 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 situations you might encounter in this role. Prepare examples of past experiences where you’ve conducted inspections or handled breaches of planning control. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer, clear communication is key. Be prepared to explain how you would provide guidance to residents and stakeholders. Practice articulating complex planning concepts in simple terms to showcase your ability to engage with diverse audiences.
✨Highlight Your Mentoring Experience
Since mentoring junior staff is part of the role, come equipped with examples of how you’ve supported or trained others in the past. Discuss your approach to fostering professional development and how you can contribute to a collaborative team environment.
