Senior Planner / Enforcement Officer (Umbrella £43.00)

The Senior Planning Enforcement Officer at Somerset Council plays a crucial role responsible for undertaking; coordinating, responding and prioritising enforcement and compliance activities within the Development Management directorate. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with planning regulations and addressing breaches of planning control for the more complex cases across Somerset.
Responsibilities
Investigate complaints regarding breaches of planning control.
Conduct site visits to assess compliance with planning permissions.
Prepare and serve enforcement notices and other legal documents.
Provide advice and guidance to the public, developers, and other stakeholders on planning enforcement matters.
Maintain accurate records of enforcement actions and investigations.
Prepare detailed reports and recommendations for planning committees.
Represent the council at planning appeals, public inquiries, and court proceedings.
Collaborate with other departments and external agencies to resolve planning issues.
Monitor development sites to ensure compliance with planning conditions.
Mentor and support junior planning enforcement staff.
Contribute to the development and implementation of planning enforcement policies and procedures.
Ensure that all enforcement actions comply with relevant legislation and council policies

Knowledge of local and national planning policies X
Familiarity with the Town and Country Planning Act X
Understanding of legal processes related to planning enforcement X
Knowledge of data protection and confidentiality requirements X
Awareness of environmental and sustainability issues related to planning X

Experience
Proven experience in planning enforcement or a related field X
Experience in conducting site visits and inspections X
Experience in preparing and serving enforcement notices X
Experience in preparing reports and presenting at planning committees X
Experience in representing an organization at appeals and court proceedings X
Experience of Proceeds of Crime Act X
Experience in mentoring or supervising junior staff X

Qualifications / Registrations / Certifications
Degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or a related field X
Membership of a relevant professional body such as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) X
Continuous professional development in planning and enforcement X
Professional qualification in planning enforcement X
Training in legal aspects of planning enforcement X

Skills
Excellent investigative and analytical skills