Job Title: Planning Enforcement Officer
Location: Dorchester
Contract Type: Temporary
Salary: £16.10 per hour
About Us
Connect2Dorset is the managed service provider for Dorset Council, supplying high-quality temporary, contract, and interim staffing solutions across various departments. We are proud to be an ethical, trustworthy, and caring organisation.
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Planning Enforcement Officer to join Dorset Council's Development Management and Enforcement Service. This role plays a vital part in investigating and resolving breaches of planning control, listed building regulations, and tree protection orders. You will work within a supportive team to ensure compliance with planning legislation and contribute to the protection of Dorset's unique natural and built environment.
Key Responsibilities
Investigate and assess alleged breaches of planning control through research and site visits.
Prepare and serve statutory notices, including Enforcement Notices and Planning Contravention Notices.
Gather evidence, conduct interviews under PACE, and prepare witness statements.
Liaise with internal teams (e.g. Legal, Highways, Environmental Health) and external agencies (e.g. Police, Environment Agency).
Provide updates to stakeholders, including elected members and the public.
Draft reports for committees and senior officers and contribute to enforcement appeal statements.
Support enforcement related to CIL and S106 agreements in collaboration with the Infrastructure and Delivery Team.
Lead on specific projects or areas of work within the enforcement team.Qualifications and Skills
Essential:
Previous experience in planning enforcement or a similar investigative role (e.g. police, regulatory services).
Strong understanding of planning legislation, enforcement procedures, and investigative techniques.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills, both written and verbal.
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work-related travel.
Ability to manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines under pressure.
Competent in using IT systems for case management and reporting.
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work-related travel.
Ability to converse at ease with customers and provide clear, accurate advice in spoken English.Desirable:
Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. RTPI, RICS).
Experience preparing legal documentation and working with legal teams.
Knowledge of Dorset's planning policies and enforcement framework.
Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates