Senior Planning Enforcement Officer

Job Introduction

Role Purpose

To assist delivery of the Council’s Planning Enforcement Service on all matters relating to the Planning Service and in accord with Government guidance and legislation. To lead a team of professional officers, deal with a range of complex planning enforcement investigations and prosecutions, ensuring planning legislation and policy is adhered to, and that successful enforcement can effectively assist in safeguarding the local environment in a timely fashion. 

 Main Responsibilities

• Under the lead of the Planning Enforcement Manager, co-ordinate the delivery of the planning enforcement service and to ensure advice and engagement is provided in accordance with statutory, national and local requirements, and proactive monitoring and management of priorities, processes and workflows.
• To perform the lead role for the Council on complex planning, advertisement, listed building and tree enforcement investigations and prosecutions, including those of a complex and/or contentious nature, including the drafting, reviewing, preparation and the service of statutory notices. 
• Under the lead of the Planning Enforcement Manager, develop an efficient, effective and well-respected team through monitoring staff development needs and performance and consistence and aligned across the enforcement team for consistent decision making. 
• In a supervisory capacity, oversee the work of planning enforcement officers and planning enforcement technicians. Providing support and supervision, including allocating work, undertaking case reviews and signing off work in strict accordance with the Council’s scheme of delegation. 
• To represent the Council where appropriate in a professional manner that safeguards the reputation of the Council, promoting a positive perception of the service and developing a culture of providing excellent customer care to all service users.
• To establish and maintain credible and effective working relationships, both internally and with external organisations.
• In their absence, when required, to represent the Planning Enforcement Manager on development related matters.
• Represent the Planning & Transport Directorate at appeals, informal hearings and public inquiries, with enforcement witness statements, legal action, court cases as they affect planning enforcement matters.
• To liaise with the Planning Enforcement Manager to ensure aligned practice across BCP.

The Ideal Candidate

• Planning related degree or Investigatory degree or a similar related subject OR be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills and experience in planning and be educated to NVQ Level 5 or equivalent Membership (or eligibility for membership) of the RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) and NAPE.
• In-depth knowledge of inspection and investigation procedures, and
• Knowledge of PACE & RIPA legislation
• Experience of enforcement and legal proceedings
• Experience of overseeing and supervising the work of others.
• Ability to manage a case load.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance and practices relating to planning.
• Ability to undertake investigations, interpret and scale from plans, prepare reports and maintain clear and concise records.
• High level of resilience, attention to detail, calm under pressure, ability to demonstrate self-awareness as well as the ability to perceive, use, understand, manage and handle all types of different situations, some which can be difficult or contentious.
• Ability to interpret complex technical detail with advanced analytical skill.
• Superb interpersonal and communication skills and must be self-motivated.
• Ability to deliver work to tight deadlines and be flexible in managing workloads.
• Good negotiating skills and an ability to find positive and practical solutions to problems.
• Ability to work both alone and within a team, demonstrating excellent teamwork skills and must be self-motivated. 
• Excellent oral, written and presentational communication skills.
• IT literate and experience in using Microsoft Office suite tools.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.

For an informal discussion please contact Mrs Pip Williams on 01202 817597

Please refer to the Job Description to assist filling in your online application form 

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our Benefits

We offer an excellent benefits package to colleagues. Find out more on our website

As a result of the creation of BCP Council in 2019, we are working on simplifying our terms and conditions of service and will be creating a single pay structure which is to be applicable for all employees. It is important to us that we offer benefits that our colleagues value as part of their total employment package and we are reviewing these to make sure we have it right. We have been in a process of collective bargaining since 2019 and have positively worked forward to reach an agreed position with the unions for the new contractual offer. This has taken longer than we hoped and therefore we are having to consider all alternative avenues available to enable us to remove inequality in the organisation as a result of bringing together 3 councils.

We are in the process of establishing a timescale for implementation, and all colleagues joining us will be included in these changes. We want to reassure everyone that whichever route is taken to reach the new terms and conditions, we can honour continuous service and there will not be any job reduction as a result of the implementation of Pay and Reward.  If you have any questions at all about this process, please feel free to raise this with the hiring manager.