Senior Enforcement Officer

We are working closely alongside with a local authority in Somerset to assist with the appointment of a Senior Enforcement Officer on a 3-months contract, highly likely to be extended at client’s discretion. Please apply with your CV for immediate consideration. Rate of Pay: £34.34- £47.48 per hour Summary The Senior Enforcement Officer (Planning) is a crucial and technical role responsible for undertaking, coordinating, and prioritizing complex enforcement and compliance activities within Somerset Councils Development Management directorate. The core purpose is to maintain the integrity of the planning system by effectively investigating, negotiating, and taking appropriate legal action to remedy breaches of planning control and ensure development complies with statutory requirements, planning permissions, and local policies. This role requires managing a diverse caseload of the more complex cases, preparing legal documentation, representing the Council at appeal and court proceedings, and providing mentorship to junior staff. Responsibilities Proactively investigate alleged breaches of planning control, including unauthorized development, breaches of planning conditions, and non-compliance with legal agreements, particularly focusing on complex and contentious cases. Conduct thorough site visits and inspections to gather detailed evidence, take photographs, conduct site surveys, and document observations accurately. Interpret and apply complex planning legislation, case law (such as the Town and Country Planning Act 1990), and local/national planning policies to assess the nature and expediency of any breach. Lead negotiations with developers, property owners, and agents to achieve voluntary compliance and satisfactory resolution of breaches. Prepare proof of evidence and appeal statements, and act as the Council's expert witness at planning appeals, informal hearings, public inquiries, and court proceedings (including prosecutions). Mentor and support junior planning enforcement staff, sharing expertise and knowledge to foster professional development within the team. Qualifications A degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning, Law, or a related discipline. A Level or equivalent standard of education, with extensive relevant professional experience. Essentials Experience in drafting and serving statutory enforcement notices and preparing evidence for appeals and court proceedings. Proven experience in successfully investigating and resolving a diverse and complex caseload of planning breaches. Comprehensive understanding of UK planning legislation, case law, and the legal processes relating to enforcement action (e.g., the Town and Country Planning Act 1990). Extensive, demonstrable experience of working within a Planning Enforcement or Development Management environment in a Local Authority. A full UK driving license Please note You should be available to work immediately or at a short notice. You should have right to work in U.K. Disclaimer Brackenberry Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. We are committed to equality in the workplace and are an equal opportunity employer. Unless otherwise stated all of our roles are temporary, though opening assignments can be and often are, extended by clients on a longer term basis and can sometimes become permanent. Important We will interpret your application as being permission to submit your CV to this role (with the right to represent you) unless you advise us to the contrary. In case the role requires an enhanced DBS, your DBS must be either through us or be accompanied by a subscription to the DBS updating service. #OR19261 #J-18808-Ljbffr