Senior planning enforcement officer [stockport met bc]

Job Description

Senior Planning Enforcement Officer

• Hourly Rate: £45 per hour
• Location: Stockport, SK1
• Job Type: Full-time

We are seeking a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer to lead the investigation and resolution of complex breaches of planning control. This role involves securing compliance with planning legislation and Council policies through negotiation and, where necessary, formal enforcement action. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in planning enforcement within a local authority or similar environment.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Manage a high-volume and complex caseload of planning enforcement investigations, including unauthorised development, changes of use, and breaches of conditions.
• Carry out site inspections, gather evidence, and assess expediency in line with national planning guidance.
• Seek resolution through negotiation wherever possible, providing clear advice to developers, residents, and stakeholders.
• Prepare and serve enforcement notices, legal documentation, and correspondence to secure compliance.
• Prepare reports, statements, and evidence for appeals, hearings, and court proceedings, representing the Council where required.
• Work collaboratively with Legal Services and internal teams to deliver effective enforcement outcomes.
• Support service improvement and help mentor less experienced officers in managing enforcement cases (where applicable).

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in planning enforcement within a local authority or similar environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK planning legislation, enforcement powers, and procedures.
• Proven ability to manage complex cases and make sound, proportionate decisions.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and report-writing skills.
• Confident representing cases at appeal or in court.

Benefits:

• Hybrid working arrangement with up to 2 days per week in the office.
• Access to a dedicated Reed consultant for ongoing support. 
• Secure and easy-to-use online timesheet system. 
• Self-service portal for managing holiday requests, payslips, and other employment documents. 
• Inclusion in pension schemes, paid holiday schemes, and maternity benefits. 

To apply for this Senior Planning Enforcement Officer position, please submit your CV by clicking Apply Now.