Planning Enforcement Officer - 37 hours

Application Deadline: 23 July 2025

Department: Pride in Place

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Torbay Council

Reporting To: Team Manager

Compensation: £37,938 - £40,476 / year

Description

Job Description & Person Specification >

We have an exciting opportunity within our Development Management Team for a Planning Enforcement Officer.

As an Officer working in our fast-paced, innovative, and supportive team you will be working across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham investigating alleged breaches of planning control and taking action to remedy them. You will be delivering excellent customer service and helping to deliver on the Council’s corporate goals which include thriving people and places.

Planning enforcement work can provide a good introduction into a career in planning and in Torbay there is the opportunity to enjoy a good work-life balance in a scenic and beautiful part of the UK.

We have a new Planning Enforcement Policy and are using new technology to monitor, prioritise and action our enforcement cases.

The role can accommodate office based or hybrid working depending on your preference. We have a whole host of benefits such as a flexible working scheme, a commitment to your wellbeing and the Local Government Pension Scheme. Sometimes there might be the need for you to work after traditional office hours, but our flexi scheme means you’ll be entitled to take those hours back at a later date.

About you:
We’re looking for a new team member who is motivated, enthusiastic, good communicators and can play close attention to detail.

You will either have experience of working in a role where enforcing rules or legislation was a central part of your job, or experience of working in planning and/or planning enforcement, or a qualification in town planning or a related discipline.

About us:

There has never been a better time to join our team at Torbay Council. We have a real momentum building and have a shared sense of purpose and ambition. Torbay is a fantastic place to live, work and visit, offering unrivalled quality of life for individuals and families. We want to see a healthy, happy and prosperous Torbay. If you do too, join us. Come and be part of our #torbaystory.

If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:
https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/planning-enforcement-officer/

For an informal chat please contact Jim Blackwell on 07827355310 or Jim.Blackwell@torbay.gov.uk.

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 28th July 2025.

Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there's a published deadline - so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible.

Skills

Essential:

To be able to effectively communicate using all available methods, including written and oral, formal and informal reports and in presentations taking into account issues of confidentiality.
To communicate effectively with clarity, tact and purpose in all relevant situations with all relevant information conveyed in a manner it can be easily understood.
Ability to demonstrate effective organisational skills, particularly with self organisation and the ability to see tasks through to a successful conclusion and deadlines are met.
Ability to demonstrate the use of initiative and commitment to include demonstrating a flexible and adaptable approach to work requirements.
Ability to demonstrate the use of developing, and the recording of, rational and persuasive arguments.

This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Knowledge

Essential:

Effective knowledge and understanding of all relevant planning legislation.
Effective knowledge and understanding of report writing and presentations.
Effective knowledge and understanding of how to undertake investigations, record facts and reach appropriate outcomes and recommendations.
Effective knowledge and understanding of preparing court bundles and evidence.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

Experience of undertaking site inspections and to have experience in using appropriate interview techniques to ascertain relevant facts.
Previous experience of resolving problems innovatively with a high degree of discretion, sensitivity and advocacy.
Demonstrate experience of undertaking an investigation from receipt of an initial complaint through to a successful outcome.
To be qualified to A Level or equivalent standard.
Driving Licence and immediate access to a car to attend site visits as not all sites can be accessed by public transport.

Skills

Knowledge

Experience & Qualifications

About Torbay Council