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- Tasks: Lead a team to investigate and resolve planning enforcement issues.
- Company: Stroud District Council, a diverse area with rich history and natural beauty.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, excellent pension, and employee wellbeing offers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning or related field; 5 GCSEs and 2 A-levels required.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; applications from all backgrounds are encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 55000 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job reference: REQ0093
Date posted: 25/07/2024
Apply by: 27/08/2024
Location: Ebley Mill - Stroud
Salary: £48,474 per annum
Package:
- Excellent pension scheme
- Flexi Working Scheme
- Employee Wellbeing Offer
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Permanent
Job category/type: Property Services
Can you lead our high-profile planning enforcement services? We’re looking for someone to lead our team, to deliver our services, and put our customers at the heart of what we do. If you think you can meet the challenge, we want to hear from you.
About us: Stroud District Council covers an area of 175 square miles and has an exceptionally diverse physical, historic, and natural environment offering infinite variety and interest. Over 50% of the district is designated a National Landscape. Our district contains over 3000 listed buildings, 68 scheduled ancient monuments, 41 conservation areas, and internationally and nationally important wildlife sites.
The Planning Enforcement team receive around 600 enquiries per year. We are a small, friendly, but busy team committed to investigating and resolving alleged breaches of planning control, either through informal negotiation or our statutory planning enforcement powers. We recently approved our new Planning Enforcement Protocol and part of a programme of investment and improvement, which has included a major overhaul of our IT systems.
About the role: As Principal Planning Enforcement Officer you would investigate the most complex breaches of planning control to resolution, including formal enforcement and court action. You would also provide day-to-day leadership and coaching of the team, managing case allocation and closures, and providing professional guidance and supervision. The professional development of the team is one of our current key priorities, and you would bring about a programme of learning.
This is a key role for the whole Development Management service. It is a varied and active role with time regularly spent on site combined with management responsibilities. You need to have an aptitude for gathering information from various sources, interpreting technical documents, problem solving, diplomacy, and making clear, logical, and well-founded decisions. You also need great communication skills – both written and verbal – to explain your decisions in easily understood language to different audiences.
In this role you will need good time and people management skills, and the ability to manage and prioritise a mixed caseload at various stages of the process. As Principal Planning Enforcement Officer you will engage and build a rapport with colleagues and stakeholders, including partner agencies, complainants, developers, and elected Members.
About you: You will have substantial experience in planning enforcement and up-to-date knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and guidance. You will have demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. You must be an effective communicator with a strong customer service focus. You will be able to deliver innovative solutions and problem solve, working co-operatively with others to achieve results. You need to be able to work under pressure in emotional and stressful situations.
You should be educated to degree level, preferably in planning or a related subject. You must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 9 to 4 (or equivalent) – including mathematics and English – and 2 A-levels (or equivalent). You should be eligible for membership of the RTPI and a member of NAPE. You will have experience of working in an office environment and Microsoft Office programs and have access to a car.
For an informal discussion, please contact Griff Bunce, Development Team Manager on 01453 766321.
Interview date: 13th September 2024
In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm we provide a range of staff benefits. It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders and sexual orientation, those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and people with disabilities. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people and children. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies.
Stroud District has an energy unlike any other place. It’s green and dynamic, climate conscious and motivated, creative and collaborative, rural and urban, and unapologetically ambitious.
Principal Planning Enforcement Officer employer: Stroud District Local Strategic Partnership
Contact Detail:
Stroud District Local Strategic Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Enforcement Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest planning legislation and policies relevant to Stroud District. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Stroud District Council, especially those in the Planning Enforcement team. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experience that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex cases. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully navigated similar challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your leadership abilities by discussing any relevant experiences where you have coached or mentored others. Highlight how you can contribute to the professional development of the Planning Enforcement team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Enforcement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in planning enforcement. Focus on specific achievements and responsibilities that align with the job description, such as managing complex cases or leading a team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should clearly express your passion for the role and the organisation. Mention your understanding of the Planning Enforcement team's goals and how your skills can contribute to their success.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your educational background, particularly your degree in planning or a related subject, and any memberships like RTPI or NAPE. This will demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires excellent communication skills, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated complex information to various audiences, whether in writing or verbally.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stroud District Local Strategic Partnership
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planning Enforcement Officer, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight any coaching or mentoring experiences that demonstrate your ability to develop others.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Planning Legislation
Make sure you brush up on current planning legislation, policy, and guidance. Be ready to discuss specific cases where you've applied this knowledge effectively. This will show your expertise and commitment to staying updated in the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Prepare scenarios related to complex breaches of planning control and think through how you would handle them, including any relevant legislation or protocols.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've communicated complex information to various audiences in the past. Consider sharing examples where your communication skills helped resolve conflicts or facilitated collaboration.
