Planning Enforcement Officer

To provide expert advice and guidance in support of and assist in the delivery of the Council's planning enforcement plan to agreed performance standards to ensure Central Bedfordshire Council can operate an effective planning enforcement service.
Main areas of responsibility
To investigate and determine whether a breach of planning control has occurred based on planning legislation and decide on the most appropriate course of action. Monitor compliance with enforcement notices and planning conditions and determine whether a breach of planning control has occurred based on planning legislation.
To prepare and issue formal enforcement, stop notices, and breach of condition notices. Draft reports and recommendations for legal proceedings and planning committees and liaise with legal teams to initiate prosecutions when necessary.
The post-holder will be expected to Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records, reports, and correspondence. Provide updates to complainants, councillors, and senior officers. Present cases to planning committees, appeal hearings, and court as needed and prioritise a varied caseload of enforcement cases.
To be able to work with other departments within the Council (e.g. legal, building control, environmental health) and to engage with members of the public, developers, agents, and councillors.
Responsibilities will also include attendance at internal and external meetings from time to time and contribute to corporate-led and other initiatives where coordinated joint enforcement action may be needed.
Candidates must have have a strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, particularly relating to planning enforcement and experience of dealing with planning enforcement cases or similar regulatory work. They must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong investigative and analytical skills. The ability to manage a varied caseload and work independently is a must and experience of presenting evidence at hearings, inquiries, or in court.