Salary: £56,528 per annum, which includes a time limited recruitment allowance of £7,246 per annum until 28/02/2027.
Closing Date: 31 May 2026
Shape the future of Somerset
Join Somerset Council – one of the largest unitary authorities in the country – and work on some of the most varied and high‑profile planning projects in the UK. From major regeneration and nationally significant infrastructure to town centres, rural development and housing growth, you’ll help shape places that matter.
Following local government reorganisation, we’re a single, ambitious council serving nearly 600,000 residents. Our scale and stability offer excellent career development across Development Management, Enforcement, Planning Policy, and Minerals & Waste – including work linked to Hinkley Point C and the Somerset-wide Local Plan.
You’ll join a collaborative, forward‑thinking planning service with embedded flexibility, strong professional support and real opportunities to grow.
What We Offer
* High‑profile, complex and varied planning enforcement work
* Clear career development and progression
* Hybrid and flexible working
* Supportive management and a strong learning culture
* Generous leave, pension and wellbeing benefits
Role Summary
You will be leading the planning enforcement function for Development Management, overseeing complex cases and ensuring planning rules are upheld across Somerset.
What You’ll Do - Key Responsibilities
* Lead and oversee complex planning enforcement investigations.
* Provide expert enforcement advice and sign‑off legal action.
* Manage and support enforcement officers.
* Represent the Council at inquiries, hearings and legal proceedings.
* Work with stakeholders to resolve high‑risk planning breaches.
Essential
What We’re Looking For – Knowledge, Experience and Skills.
* Degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or a related field.
* Membership of a relevant professional body such as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
* In‑depth understanding of planning legislation and enforcement procedures
* Knowledge of local government planning policies and frameworks
* Familiarity with the Development Management process
* Understanding of legal processes related to planning enforcement
* Understanding of the Proceeds of Crime Act
* Extensive senior‑level experience in planning enforcement or a related field
* Proven track record of managing complex planning enforcement cases
* Experience of supervising and managing a team
* Experience preparing and presenting reports at public inquiries and hearings
* Experience appearing as an expert witness
* Experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders
* Experience conducting site visits and inspections
* Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation and policies
* Strong organisational and time management skills
* Ability to work independently and lead a team
Desirable
* Certification in Planning Enforcement.
* Qualification in environmental law or related discipline.
* Training in conflict resolution and negotiation.
* Awareness of environmental and sustainability issues related to planning
* Knowledge of data protection and confidentiality requirements
* Proficiency in using planning and enforcement software
Additional Information
* You will be leading a Somerset wide Planning Enforcement team which operates over the four geographic areas of Somerset and providing oversight on appeal performance.
* Due to the need to undertake site visits, you will need to be in the office 1-2 days per week, with the option for home working the rest of the time.
* 33 days annual leave, not including Bank Holidays.
* As a developing service, you would be in a position to inform and develop process improvements.
* CPD opportunities to shadow investigations through processes and peer support.
* Permanent role, 37 hours a week.
* Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.
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