Job title: Principal Planning Officer (Grade 8)
Job Category: Planning
Hours per week: 37
Location: King Square, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3AR, Somerset Council
Pay: £41.54 per hour
Work setting: 2 days office, 3 days remote.
Role: Cover Team Leader for Planning Enforcement
Role purpose
The Principal Enforcement Planning Officer at Somerset Council plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the planning system by ensuring compliance with planning regulations and policies. This position would be responsible for a range of complex planning and compliance casework to ensure delivery of strategic outcomes for the Council and enforcement of breaches of planning control in accordance with legislation. The role involves leading investigations and resolution of complex planning enforcement cases, providing expert advice and guidance on enforcement matters, and ensuring that all actions of the team comply with legal and policy frameworks. The role is responsible for the Senior Enforcement Officers and Planning Enforcement Officers. It requires close collaboration with the Development Management team and other stakeholders to address breaches of planning control effectively. The Principal Enforcement Planning Officer is also responsible for supporting the team in preparing and signing off detailed reports, drafting and authorising formal notices, representing and supporting the team at planning inquiries, hearings, and other legal proceedings. This role is essential in upholding public confidence in the planning system and contributing to the sustainable development of the Somerset region.
Responsibilities
* Instruct and support on the investigation of complex planning enforcement cases.
* Provide expert advice and guidance on planning enforcement matters.
* Prepare detailed reports, draft formal enforcement notices, authorise reports and recommendations for enforcement action.
* Represent the Council and support the team at planning inquiries, hearings, and other legal proceedings.
* Collaborate with the Development Management team and other stakeholders.
* Ensure compliance with legal and policy frameworks in all enforcement actions.
* Line manage, mentor and support the Senior Enforcement and Planning enforcement officers.
* Maintain accurate records of enforcement cases and actions taken.
* Conduct site visits and inspections to gather evidence for enforcement cases.
* Engage with the public, developers, and other stakeholders to resolve planning issues.
Knowledge
* In-depth understanding of planning legislation and enforcement procedures
* Knowledge of local government planning policies and frameworks
* Understanding of legal processes related to planning enforcement
* Understanding of Proceeds of Crime Act
* Familiarity with the Development Management process
* Awareness of environmental and sustainability issues related to planning
* Knowledge of data protection and confidentiality requirements
Experience
* Extensive experience at a senior level in planning enforcement or a related field
* Experience of supervising and managing a team
* Experience in preparing and presenting reports at public inquiries and hearings and appearing as expert witness for the Council
* Experience in collaborating with multiple stakeholders
* Experience in conducting site visits and inspection
Qualifications / Registrations / Certifications
* Degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or a related field
* Membership of a relevant professional body such as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
* Certification in planning enforcement or related training
* Continuous professional development in planning and enforcement
* Qualification in environmental law or related discipline
* Training in conflict resolution and negotiation
Skills
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation and policies
* Proficiency in using planning and enforcement software
* Strong organizational and time management skills
* Ability to work independently and lead a team
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