Planning Enforcement Officer

Thurrock Council's Planning Service plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable growth and maintaining the character of our borough. As a Planning Enforcement Officer, you will investigate and assess potential breaches of planning control and recommend appropriate actions. You will be responsible for issuing notices, taking enforcement action where needed, and ensuring that planning enforcement services are provided to the highest standards in line with adopted procedures. This role requires a proactive approach to planning enforcement and strong customer service focus.
Key Responsibilities
1. Investigation and Enforcement: Investigate all complaints and potential breaches of planning control and take appropriate action according to agreed policies and service standards.
2. Site Visits and Record Keeping: Take contemporaneous notes during site visits, ensuring all information is recorded accurately and updated in the Council's records within agreed timescales.
3. Issuing Notices: Draft and serve formal enforcement notices in consultation with senior officers when breaches of planning control are identified.
4. Appeals and Court Proceedings: Prepare draft statements and proofs of evidence for appeals against enforcement notices, and attend formal hearings and public inquiries. Represent the Council as a witness in Magistrates Court and Crown Court, as required.
5. Legislation and Policy Awareness: Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, government guidance, planning policies, case law, and best practice related to planning and enforcement matters.
6. Collaborative Working: Liaise with other Council departments, the Police, and statutory bodies to ensure effective action is taken to resolve breaches of planning control.
7. Report Preparation: Draft letters, notices, and reports on enforcement cases, including Committee reports for senior officers.
8. Council Meetings: Attend meetings, including Council meetings, as required by senior officers, and ensure that actions arising from these discussions are carried out in a timely manner.
9. High Court Injunctions: Assist with investigations into breaches requiring High Court Injunctions and follow through with actions to clear occupiers after the injunction is obtained.
10. Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the Council's commitment to continuous improvement by participating in self-assessment processes and development planning.
11. Training and Development: Participate in the 1-2-1 performance review process and undertake any training or development as required to support your role.
12. Additional Duties: Undertake other duties as reasonably required to support the operational needs of the service area and the Council, including business continuity and during civil emergencies., As a Planning Enforcement Officer at Thurrock Council, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the borough's planning landscape by ensuring compliance with planning regulations. You will work as part of a collaborative and dynamic team, developing your professional expertise while contributing to the Council's objectives. This is a great opportunity for those looking to further their career in planning enforcement.

Knowledge of planning enforcement legislation, policies, and procedures.
- Experience in investigating planning breaches, issuing notices, and preparing reports.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to present complex enforcement matters clearly.
- Ability to manage a caseload efficiently and meet deadlines.
- Understanding of legal processes related to planning enforcement, including court hearings and High Court Injunctions.
- Ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and the public.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Why Join Us?