Job Description
We are delighted to be working on behalf of Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) for an exceptional Principal Planning Officer (Planning Enforcement) to join the Planning Directorate on a 12-month contract to cover maternity leave.
This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role within one of London’s most ambitious regeneration areas. OPDC is driving the transformation of Old Oak and Park Royal into a thriving, inclusive and sustainable new district - supporting tens of thousands of new homes and jobs. As Principal Planning Officer, you will help ensure this growth is delivered responsibly, lawfully and in line with the Corporation’s planning framework.
Pay rate: £33.51 per hour via PAYE or £45.39 per hour via Umbrella
Location: North Acton – Hybrid work / full time / 3 days in the office and 2 days from home
The Role
Working as part of the Planning Enforcement and Compliance team, you will lead and coordinate a varied caseload of planning enforcement matters, ensuring the effective management, investigation and resolution of cases across the OPDC area. This includes monitoring compliance with planning permissions, conditions and Section 106 obligations, and providing professional advice on enforcement issues.
You will work closely with the Head of Planning Enforcement and Compliance, as well as a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including host boroughs, High Speed 2 Ltd (HS2), the London Fire Brigade and other regulatory partners. Your work will support OPDC’s commitment to maintaining high-quality development standards and safeguarding the integrity of the planning process.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the Head of Planning Enforcement and Compliance in delivering a proactive enforcement regime and ensuring compliance with planning conditions and Section 106 agreements.
* Manage, organise and progress a wide range of enforcement cases, ensuring they are handled efficiently, professionally and within agreed performance targets.
* Conduct investigations and detailed analysis to develop appropriate and proportionate enforcement solutions aligned with local planning and enforcement policies.
* Prepare and present evidence for Examinations, Public Inquiries, informal hearings and appeal proceedings, including those dealt with through written representations.
* Respond to enquiries from members of the public regarding enforcement processes, timescales and decision-making.
* Draft clear, robust and well-reasoned reports, briefings and presentations for both internal and external audiences.
* Maintain close working relationships with host boroughs and HS2 on matters relating to enforcement, environmental monitoring and fire safety, liaising with building control, environmental health, transport teams and other relevant bodies.
* Build and maintain strong professional relationships with external stakeholders, supporting constructive engagement and effective case management.
If you have the required local authority/public sector urban regeneration and planning permission experience, please apply now for immediate consideration.