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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate planning complaints and enforce legislation to protect our community.
- Company: Join Stoke-on-Trent City Council, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or qualification in planning enforcement with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Directorate: Housing, Regeneration and Operations
Section: Planning and Building Control
Location: Civic Centre
Hours: 37 hours per week
This advert is open to internal and external applicants.
The Role
Interested in improving the built environment and protecting our residents? We have a vacancy for a Planning Enforcement Officer within our Planning service. We care deeply about the integrity of the planning system and effective planning enforcement is critical in maintaining public confidence in what we do.
As part of the role, you will be enforcing all relevant legislation administered by the service under the general director of the Principal Planning Officer. You will need excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate effectively. The job is not all about serving formal notices; many breaches of planning control can be resolved quickly through effective dialogue. We are a friendly, hard-working team and have strong career development plans for our staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Investigate planning enforcement complaints, identifying appropriate courses of action ensuring all relevant legislation is considered and followed.
- Interpret technical / legal information, plans and legislation and make an initial assessment to progress each enquiry based upon the information and evidence received.
- Taking formal action against unauthorised development through the service of relevant notices.
- Prepare and support documents required by our Legal Services to enable them to prosecute enforcement breaches.
- Support and mentor junior members of staff.
About You
- Efficiency and Pace: You must be able to follow instructions clearly and work in a quick, decisive manner. We need someone who understands when it is expedient to take enforcement action and can move cases forward without unnecessary delay.
- Proven experience in drafting both delegated and committee reports specifically for enforcement matters. Skilled in accurate drafting of various formal planning notices.
- Relevant degree and eligible for RTPI membership OR recognised qualification in planning enforcement with a track record of handling a varied caseload.
- Experience or an interest in heritage and listed building matters would be a distinct advantage.
- Confident communication, able to work independently and travel efficiently across the city.
What we offer
- A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent.
- Hybrid and flexible working options.
- An excellent local authority pension scheme.
- Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes.
Pre-Employment Checks
- Right to Work in the UK.
- Proof of address.
- Satisfactory references.
- Occupational Health Clearance.
- Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations.
- DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable for the role).
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet all the listed requirements. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves, and can succeed together.
Planning Officer employer: Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Contact Detail:
Stoke-on-Trent City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning sector, 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 researching the company and its projects. Show your passion for improving the built environment and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals. We want to see that you care about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires excellent customer service and effective dialogue, consider doing mock interviews with friends or family. Get comfortable discussing planning enforcement and how you’d handle various scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Planning Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to improving the built environment and protecting our residents.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in this role, don’t shy away from showcasing your customer service experience. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to engage in dialogue and resolve issues efficiently.
Be Clear and Concise: When drafting your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your qualifications and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stoke-on-Trent City Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the relevant planning legislation and enforcement processes. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they apply to real-world scenarios will show your understanding of the role and impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since effective dialogue is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information in the past. Think about times when you resolved issues through conversation rather than formal action.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Ability
Be ready to discuss how you've handled planning enforcement complaints or similar challenges before. Highlight your ability to assess situations quickly and take decisive action, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Express Your Passion for Community Impact
Convey your enthusiasm for improving the built environment and protecting residents. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive your interest in planning enforcement, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.