We are looking for a Planning Enforcement Officer to join our dedicated team on a fixed term basis until 31st March 2026. Could you be interested? Do you enjoy resolving problems through negotiation and are you committed to upholding the integrity of the planning system through effective enforcement? Are you looking for a new challenge? If so, please keep reading as you’re just what we’re looking for! You will be responsible for investigating breaches of planning control and taking a wide range of enforcement actions wherever necessary. Day to day supervision will be provided by a Senior Enforcement Officer although you will report to the Planning Enforcement Manager. Your office base will be Dorchester, with cases across the 3 planning areas of Dorset County. You will carry out assessments of planning enquiries through desk based research and carrying out site visits. Researching and gathering evidence on a variety of breaches of planning control taking in to account appropriate legislation, government guidance, planning policies and council procedures. The work will often involve liaison with both internal and external consultees in order to progress a case. Dorset Council area has an outstanding natural and historic environment. With national and international designations including the internationally protected heathlands habitats, two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the "Jurassic Coast" World Heritage Site. Applicants are expected to have experience in planning enforcement or similar investigatory background. The ability to negotiate solutions in order to avoid formal action wherever possible is required. Good written and oral communication skills to be able to explain complex and/or contentious planning matters in plain simple English to all stakeholders including: members of the public, Councillors and other planning professionals, is essential. There may be a requirement to prepare reports for committee and represent the Council at appeal hearings and criminal courts. You will have to agree recommendations on the expediency of taking action in discussion with the enforcement team manager and other senior officers within the Council. It will be a requirement to draft planning contravention notices, enforcement notices, breach of condition notices in liaison with legal services and senior officers. Defending formal action by drafting statements with high quality evidence at planning enforcement appeals and hearings will be necessary. The preparation of witness statements and undertaking of interviews under Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) codes of practice also forms part of the role.