Principal Planning Enforcement Officer

Shropshire is one of the largest Local Planning Authorities in England , covering anexceptionally diverse mix of landscapes-from Green Belt and National Landscapesto two World Heritage Sites . This creates a rich and stimulating professionalenvironment for planning enforcement, with cases that vary widely in complexity,geography and sensitivity.Our Planning Enforcement Team manages over 500 cases each year , ranging frommajor unauthorised developments to minor technical breaches. You will be entering afast-paced, high-variety service where no two days look the same.As the Principal Planning Enforcement Officer , you will be the lead professionalfor ensuring an efficient, effective and consistent enforcement service across thecounty. This influential role includes:

• Leading on significant, complex and high-profile enforcement investigations
• Shaping the future direction of enforcement through service improvements and
modernised processes,
• Supporting colleagues across the North and South areas as they navigate high
caseloads and complex public expectations
• Ensuring decision-making is robust, proportionate and transparent
You will work within a multi -disciplinary environment , collaborating daily withspecialists in Development Management, Highways, Trees, Historic Environment,Building Control, Ecology, Policy, Legal Services and others. The team also maintainsclose working relationships with local councillors, residents, town and parish councils,and external agencies-ensuring decisions are informed, balanced andcommunity-focused.You will be part of an experienced and supportive team structure that includesEnforcement Officers, and a Senior Enforcement Officer, all working cohesively acrossthe countywide service. Rising case numbers and increasing public expectationsmake this a challenging environment-but also one where your leadership will havereal impact.

You will be a confident, experienced and self-motivated planning enforcementprofessional with strong judgement and an ability to manage complex, sensitive orcontentious cases.,
• A degree and postgraduate qualification in planning or a related field, or
equivalent professional experience
• Significant planning enforcement experience and the ability to work with
minimal supervision
• A solid understanding of planning enforcement legislation, procedures and best
practice
• Excellent communication skills, with confidence engaging with residents,
councillors, legal representatives and partner organisations
• Experience supervising or managing workload in a high-pressure environment
• A commitment to ongoing professional development
Desirable but not essential:
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent
professional body
• A recognised management qualification
A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work is essential.

Shropshire Council is a resilient, ambitious and forward-thinking authority serving oneof England's largest and most varied rural counties. We are proud of our naturallandscapes, heritage assets, diverse local communities and thriving economy.Working with us means helping deliver our shared vision of "Shropshire - living thebest life."Our workforce is skilled, empowered, inclusive and supported. We champion staffwellbeing, development and flexible working so that people can perform at their bestwhile maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

We value our employees and offer staff rewards and plenty of opportunities forpersonal development, apprenticeships and career progression including:Shropshire Council Job Advert - 2025 v3.0
• Generous annual leave commencing at 28 days increasing with service to 33
days (pro rata for part time). With additional annual leave purchase policy.
• Access to a benefits platform with a wide range of retail discounts and salary
sacrifice schemes (cars, bikes, AVCs)
• Employer contribution Pension Scheme Shropshire County Pension Fund
• Supportive carers and parental policies (maternity, paternity, adoption leave,
special leave)
• Many opportunities for flexible and agile working, we offer a hybrid model of
working to promote flexible working around personal and family commitments.