Enforcement Officer

The role involves working in one of two area teams handling a full range of enforcement matters in urban and rural environments, as part of the Development Management Service. You will liaise closely with colleagues in all areas of the Council, other authorities, public bodies and private organisations to deliver high‑quality enforcement outcomes to Members, developers and the citizens of Leeds. You will deal with a varied enforcement caseload within an area team. The successful candidates will need to be able to demonstrate they have the necessary investigative and people skills to take cases from initial investigation to resolution through appropriate actions, in an outcome‑focused environment. Responsibilities Investigate alleged breaches of planning control, negotiate solutions and make recommendations for outcomes and determinations. Effectively manage and progress a caseload of compliance cases to ensure planning breaches are resolved. Prepare and serve legal notices and give evidence in court cases and planning appeals. Monitor planning permissions and legal agreements on key development sites and take action to secure compliance. Prepare reports on case progress, make recommendations and keep interested parties informed. Maintain effective communications with service users and ensure stakeholders are kept informed. Project‑manage cases. Participate in projects and actions for continuous service improvements. Other duties may be undertaken which are commensurate with the grade and within the spirit of the post. Progression & Requirements Successful completion of an appropriate qualification in planning enforcement and/or experience dealing with a full range of planning enforcement activities. Preparation of and service of enforcement notices. Preparation of cases for prosecution and prosecution in magistrate’s court. Understanding of the role and relationship of planning enforcement to planning services and other statutory regulations. Job Profile – Duties by Grade C1/C2 Grade: Communice with a full range of customers by letter, telephone and in person with minimal supervision on factual matters, and some supervision on matters involving opinions. Deal with a range of enforcement cases of varying levels of complexity, with some supervision on more complex cases. Deal with simple enforcement cases with minimal supervision. Write reasoned and balanced reports and make recommendations with minimal supervision. Discuss simple enforcement cases with customers and give opinions on options available and likely outcomes with some supervision. Negotiate solutions with some supervision. Prepare evidence and witness statements for prosecutions with some supervision. C3 Grade: Deal with a range of enforcement cases of varying complexity. Discuss enforcement cases with customers and give opinions on options available and likely outcomes. Negotiate solutions with customers. Deal with simple written enforcement appeals. Prepare evidence and witness statements for prosecutions. SO1 Grade: Deal with a full range of enforcement cases, including complex cases, and give opinions on options available and likely outcomes. Write detailed reports on complex issues, reach reasoned conclusions and make recommendations. Deal with a range of enforcement appeals. Negotiate solutions with customers on a range of enforcement cases, including complex cases. Prepare and serve enforcement notices. Prepare cases for prosecution across the full range of planning breaches and give evidence at court hearings. Key Skills & Competencies Effective communication with a wide range of customers. Strong negotiation and problem‑solving skills. Ability to work to high standards and meet tight deadlines. Self‑initiative and the ability to act independently. Maintaining and updating records accurately. Flexibility, self‑motivation and determination. Ability to read and interpret plans. Personal Specification Willing to abide by the Council’s Equal Opportunities policy in duties of the post and as an employee. Willing to take personal responsibility for and abide by the Council’s Health and Safety policy. Aware of and able to respect the sensitive and confidential nature of the work. Conscientious and committed approach to completing tasks accurately and to deadlines to achieve service objectives. Committed to personal development and learning. Desirable Requirements Knowledge of the statutory planning framework procedures. Full driving licence. Experience of report writing. Experience of investigative work. Benefits & Working Conditions Competitive salary and annual leave entitlement, plus statutory holidays. Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements. Clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities. Range of staff benefits to support wellbeing and improve financial well‑being. Hybrid working model with staff operating from home and a modern office environment in the City Centre. The role is based in the UK. Candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement Scheme, or by having secured an appropriate work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, please consider your eligibility for sponsorship before applying. Eligibility for sponsorship usually requires a minimum annual salary of £41,700 or meeting other criteria. #J-18808-Ljbffr