What is the job role?
We have a vacancy in our Planning Enforcement Team for an Enforcement Officer or a Senior Enforcement Officer where the level of appointment will depend on experience. Our Enforcement Officer role offers opportunities for progression to senior level as set out in the attached job descriptions. Appointment will be based on experience and meeting the requirements of the respective job descriptions.
As Planning Enforcement Officer or Senior Planning Enforcement Officer you will be enforcing all relevant legislation administered by the section under the general direction of the Planning Enforcement Manager.
The main duties and responsibilities of the role include (but are not limited to)
1. Investigate planning enforcement complaints, identifying appropriate courses of action ensuring all relevant legislation is considered and followed.
2. Interpret technical / legal information, plans and legislation and make an initial assessment to progress each enquiry based upon the information and evidence received.
3. Leading or supporting (depending on experience) on the supervision of works in default, including drafting schedules of work, site supervision and monitoring of payments.
4. Prepare and/or support documents required by our Legal Services to enable them to prosecute enforcement breaches.
5. Senior Planning Enforcement Officers will be expected to mentor Enforcement Officers in these processes.
All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are currently not offering sponsorship for this role.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a Planning Enforcement Officer or Senior Planning Enforcement Officer to deliver a high quality proactive Planning Enforcement service in a way that contributes to the achievement of the City Council’s vision and objectives for a growing and sustainable city.
You don't necessarily need to have a background in Planning as some of our previous enforcement officers have joined from a range of backgrounds. You will be organised, articulate and attention to detail with a natural flair of curiosity and questioning. Being able to follow policy and legislation and working proactively on your own initiative as well as part of a team is key.
If you would like to have an informal chat about this post then please contact Marcus Fothergill, Planning Enforcement Manager, on or Anne Lynch, Head of Development Management, on or email or
If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
6. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
7. Are currently in care or have previously been in care
8. If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
For full details on the application process please read the attached document labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'. If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.
Interview date: Week commencing 22nd September
About Coventry
Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.
We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse.
At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.
To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.