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- Tasks: Investigate planning breaches and prepare reports for enforcement actions.
- Company: Join Wealden District Council, a forward-thinking local authority committed to community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, excellent salary, pension, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while developing your skills in a friendly atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning enforcement, strong customer service, and communication skills required.
- Other info: Free parking and opportunities for professional development available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37
Location: Hailsham / Hybrid
Are you an experienced planner that wants to ensure that development is carried out in a compliant manner as well as protecting our environment and communities from unauthorised works? Then this role is for you!
The Planning Enforcement Team is dedicated to ensuring our communities have a good quality of life and that our built and natural environments are protected by taking robust but proportionate action in relation to breaches of planning control. This role would consider a variety of breaches of planning in the district, so we’re looking for someone who has experience in investigating such matters and is able to conclude them effectively and efficiently.
What will you be doing?
- Investigating breaches of planning control, in a variety of urban and rural settings.
- Preparing reports to make recommendations on appropriate enforcement proceedings, presenting those schemes to planning committee where required.
- Providing advice and conducting negotiations with contraveners to achieve the best possible outcomes and deliver 5-star customer service.
- Liaising with various stakeholders, including residents, officers from other service sections, elected members, and external bodies ensuring they are appropriately updated on the progress and outcome of investigation.
- Providing informal support and mentoring for junior officers.
What do you need?
- Experience in planning and the application of expert knowledge within an enforcement and development management context.
- Customer service skills, being particularly adept at speaking with those who have conflicting demands and priorities.
- Knowledge of relevant law, policy and guidance related to planning and related matters.
- Communication and negotiation skills, being able to discuss breaches in a clear, constructive, and professional manner to achieve robust and proportionate outcomes.
- Experience of defending actions taken by the Council at appeal or via legal proceedings.
What do we offer?
- Working for a great, forward-thinking Local Authority.
- Excellent salary, pension, flexible working, fantastic employee benefits and comprehensive staff health & wellbeing scheme.
- A friendly, supportive team and a range of opportunities for continuing professional development.
- Hybrid working with the ability to work from home as well as from our newly refurbished offices in Hailsham.
- Free parking.
Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK.
For more information
For more information and an informal chat about the opportunity please contact Jon Honeysett, Planning Enforcement Team Leader, on 01892 602409 or Samuel Batchelor, Development Manager, on 01892 602552.
Closing Date: 4 July 2025
Interview Date: W/c 14th July 2025
Wealden District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities and all applications will be treated on merit.
To Apply
Please visit our ‘How to Apply’ page for advice on how best to complete your application. Click on the “Apply Online Now” link to be taken to our online recruitment portal. You will be prompted to log in to your existing account or create a new one. Remember to add a contact email address and mobile number when applying.
Please note applications could time out. So, ensure you have created an account and save your information as you go along. We would suggest you keep a copy of your personal statement on a separate document until you are ready to paste this into your application and submit.
If you are unable to apply online, have a query or require an alternative application method, please email human.resources@wealden.gov.uk or call 01892 602424. Make sure you know the post number and include it in your email or provide it when asked during your telephone call.
Planning Officer, Planning Enforcement employer: Wealden District Council
Contact Detail:
Wealden District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer, Planning Enforcement
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local planning policies and enforcement procedures specific to Hailsham. Understanding the nuances of the area will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning field, especially those who have experience in enforcement roles. Attend local planning meetings or forums to build connections and gain insights that could be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully navigated planning breaches or conflicts. Having concrete examples ready will showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Wealden District Council's recent planning enforcement cases. Being informed about their current challenges and successes will allow you to tailor your approach and show your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer, Planning Enforcement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Planning Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in planning enforcement and customer service.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Your personal statement should reflect your passion for planning and your ability to handle breaches of planning control. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in investigation, negotiation, and communication.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to emphasise your knowledge of planning law, policy, and guidance. Discuss your experience in dealing with conflicting demands and how you have successfully navigated challenging situations in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wealden District Council
✨Know Your Planning Laws
Brush up on relevant planning laws, policies, and guidance. Being well-versed in these areas will help you demonstrate your expertise and confidence during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively managed conflicting demands and priorities in previous roles. Highlighting your customer service skills will show that you can handle negotiations with contraveners professionally.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific breaches of planning control. Think through various scenarios and be ready to discuss your approach to investigating and resolving these issues.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Be prepared to talk about your experience working with various stakeholders, including residents and other officers. Emphasising your ability to liaise effectively will show that you're a team player who values communication.
