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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate planning complaints and enforce legislation to improve the built environment.
- Company: Stoke-on-Trent City Council, committed to diversity and community strength.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, excellent pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a friendly team with strong career growth and mentorship opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while developing your career in planning.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or qualification in planning enforcement and 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 in Stoke-on-Trent 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 in Stoke-on-Trent
✨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 protecting residents. We want to see that you understand the importance of effective planning enforcement!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires excellent customer service and the ability to engage in effective dialogue, consider role-playing common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in planning enforcement. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully resolved issues through dialogue.
Highlight Your Technical Knowledge: Don’t forget to mention any experience you have with interpreting technical or legal documents. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you’ve tackled similar tasks in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applicants. 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 with stakeholders in the past. Think about situations where you resolved conflicts or explained complex information clearly.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Ability
Be ready to discuss how you would approach common planning enforcement issues. Prepare a few case studies or hypothetical scenarios to illustrate your thought process and decision-making skills.
✨Highlight Your Team Spirit
This position involves working within a friendly team, so be sure to express your enthusiasm for collaboration. Share experiences where you’ve supported colleagues or contributed to a positive team environment.