Job Description:

Senior Planning Enforcement Officer

• Rate of pay: £45 PAYE or £58 Umbrella per hour
• Job Type: Temporary Contract until end of October 2026
• Location: Hybrid / Site-Based - Maidenhead SL6

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Planning Enforcement Officer to support the delivery of a high-profile, efficient and effective Planning Enforcement service. You will play a key role in investigating breaches of planning control, ensuring compliance with planning legislation, and helping to protect and enhance the local environment.

Working within a busy planning team, you will manage a varied caseload of enforcement investigations, liaise with a wide range of stakeholders, and provide professional planning enforcement expertise to secure positive outcomes.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Investigate complaints relating to alleged breaches of planning control.
• Undertake consultations, negotiations and site inspections to establish facts and resolve planning breaches.
• Gather, assess and present evidence relating to planning enforcement cases.
• Monitor developments to ensure compliance with approved planning permissions and relevant local and national planning policies.
• Maintain regular communication with complainants, property owners, councillors, parish councils, external agencies and internal stakeholders.
• Conduct site visits, including occasional out-of-hours inspections, to gather information and evidence.
• Prepare and process Planning Contravention Notices, Enforcement Notices, Breach of Condition Notices, Stop Notices and other enforcement actions where required.
• Produce detailed reports, witness statements and written evidence in support of enforcement proceedings.
• Represent the authority at appeal hearings, public inquiries and court proceedings.
• Work closely with planning officers, legal teams and specialist officers to ensure effective enforcement outcomes.
• Support wider planning and regulatory investigations as required.
• Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation, policies and procedures.

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience working within a regulatory or enforcement environment.
• Knowledge and experience of planning legislation.
• Ability to accurately interpret plans, drawings and planning documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deal confidently with a range of stakeholders in challenging situations.
• Experience using IT systems and software for recording, retrieving and communicating information.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Experience preparing enforcement documentation, reports and evidence is highly desirable.
• Ability to attend site visits and travel as required.

Essential Requirements

• Access to a vehicle for business use and a full, clean driving licence.
• Ability to undertake occasional out-of-hours site visits.
• Strong knowledge of planning enforcement processes and legislation.

To apply for the Senior Planning Enforcement Officer position, please submit your CV detailing your relevant experience