Planning Enforcement Officer

Planning Enforcement Officer, Local Authority (Essex)

Contract: Temporary, Full Time (6-month contract)
Rate: £40.00 per hour (umbrella)
Location: Hybrid, with regular site visits within the district

An Essex-based Local Authority is seeking an experienced and proactive Planning Enforcement Officer to join its Development Management team on a 6-month interim basis. This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a varied enforcement caseload in a district with a rich and diverse planning landscape. The role offers a competitive £40.00 per hour, hybrid working, and the chance to play a key role in upholding planning policy and protecting the built environment.

The Role

You will be responsible for investigating breaches of planning control, preparing enforcement notices, and supporting legal action where necessary. You will carry out site inspections, liaise with landowners and developers, and provide clear, robust recommendations for enforcement action in accordance with planning legislation and council procedures.

The post is hybrid, but regular on-site visits across the district are required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Investigate alleged breaches of planning control, including condition monitoring and unauthorised development

• Conduct regular site visits, take photographs and detailed notes, and erect site notices where required

• Draft and serve enforcement notices and other legal documents under direction

• Prepare statements of evidence and liaise with legal services in prosecution cases

• Attend and provide evidence at court hearings, public inquiries, and planning appeals

• Respond to planning-related queries from applicants, developers, councillors, and members of the public

• Assist with general Development Management functions including site assessments and neighbour notifications

• Ensure compliance with legislation such as RIPA and PACE during investigations

About You

• Demonstrable experience in planning enforcement within a local authority setting

• Strong understanding of planning law, enforcement procedures, and appeal processes

• Skilled in preparing legal documents and enforcement notices

• Confident communicator with the ability to handle difficult conversations diplomatically

• Comfortable attending court and public hearings as required

• Planning qualification (degree or postgraduate level) desirable

• Experience in planning appeals, especially Hearings and Inquiries, is advantageous

Why Apply?

• £40.00 per hour (umbrella)

• 6-month contract, with potential for extension

• Hybrid working, with regular site visits as required

• Varied enforcement caseload with opportunities to lead on complex investigations

• Join a collaborative and supportive Development Management team

Interested?

To apply or find out more, please contact Billy at Park Avenue Recruitment on 07763 200416 or email billy@park-avenue.co.uk.

Please note: Not all roles are advertised. I work with multiple Local Authorities across Essex and the surrounding region, recruiting planning professionals at all levels across Enforcement, Development Management, and Policy. If this role doesn't quite fit, I'd be happy to discuss others better suited to your experience.