Directorate: Housing, Regeneration and Operations
Section: Planning and Building Control
Location: Civic Centre
Hours: 37 hours per week
This advert is open to internal and external applicants.
The Role
Interested in improving the built environment and protecting our residents? We have a vacancy for a Planning Enforcement Officer within our Planning service. We care deeply about the integrity of the planning system and effective planning enforcement is critical in maintaining public confidence in what we do.
As part of the role, you will be enforcing all relevant legislation administered by the service under the general director of the Principal Planning Officer. You will need excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate effectively. The job is not all about serving formal notices, many breaches of planning control can be resolved quickly through effective dialogue.
We are a friendly, hard working team and have strong career development plans for our staff.
Key Responsibilities
* Investigate planning enforcement complaints, identifying appropriate courses of action ensuring all relevant legislation is considered and followed
* Interpret technical / legal information, plans and legislation and make an initial assessment to progress each enquiry based upon the information and evidence received
* Taking formal action against unauthorised development through the service of relevant notices
* Prepare and support documents required by our Legal Services to enable them to prosecute enforcement breaches
* Support and mentor junior members of staff
About You
* Efficiency and Pace: You must be able to follow instructions clearly and work in a quick, decisive manner. We need someone who understands when it is expedient to take enforcement action and can move cases forward without unnecessary delay.
* Proven experience in drafting both delegated and committee reports specifically for enforcement matters. Skilled in accurate drafting of various formal planning notices.
* Relevant degree and eligible for RTPI membership OR recognised qualification in planning enforcement with a track record of handling a varied caseload.
* Experience or an interest in heritage and listed building matters would be a distinct advantage.
* Confident communication, able to work independently and travel efficiently across the city.
What we offer
* A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent
* Hybrid and flexible working options
* An excellent local authority pension scheme
* Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes
Pre-Employment Checks
* Right to Work in the UK
* Proof of address
* Satisfactory references
* Occupational Health Clearance
* Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
* DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable for the role)
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet all the listed requirements. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves, and can succeed together.
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