Manchester City Council
Planning Compliance Officer
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Planning Compliance Officer
Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Additional Payments: Essential Car Allowance
Closing Date: 31st October 2026
Closing time: 11.59pm
Interview Method: Face to Face
Legal Right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
About the Role
The Development Compliance Team investigates breaches of planning control, such as building work and changes of use where no planning permission has been granted. Through the collection and collation of evidence, together with the examination, processing and evaluation of complaints, you will work as part of a team and contribute to the performance objectives of the Planning service. Can you bring us the technical knowledge, experience, agility and innovation we need to get this done?
We are looking to recruit a Planning Compliance Officer; the role will provide the opportunity of working with varying issues, both in and out of the office where you will need to demonstrate considerable initiative and professional judgement. Working closely with Planning Officers, Building Control Surveyors and other Council Departments, you will help to ensure that development in Manchester is carried out in accordance with approved plans and where appropriate, pursue more formal action when development takes place without the necessary planning permission. You will need to be able to read and interpret technical documents, drawings and legislation in order to carry out accurate site survey work.
You will be required to collect evidence to a standard needed to pursue criminal prosecution, serve enforcement and other related notices, together with presenting evidence as the Council's expert witness at Public Inquiries, Hearings or at the Magistrates Court and higher Courts where necessary.
Qualifications:
- Town Planning or Related Qualification (In the absence of a related qualification, the application form will need to evidence the extent of experience needed to undertake the role without the need for significant training)
Driving Licence:
- You must always hold a full valid driving licence
Essential Car Documentation:
- This post is a designated Essential Car User. Therefore, you must always hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work. You will receive the Essential Car User Allowance and City Centre car parking.
Responsibilities
- Collect evidence to pursue criminal prosecution, serve enforcement notices, and present evidence as an expert witness at Public Inquiries, Hearings, or Courts.
- Read and interpret technical documents, drawings, and legislation for site survey work.
- Work closely with Planning Officers, Building Control Surveyors, and other Council Departments to ensure compliance with approved plans.
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Requirements
- Recognized Town Planning qualification or good knowledge and experience in Development Management or Town Planning enforcement/compliance.
- Ability to handle situations with tact and diplomacy.
- Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
Benefits We Offer
- Generous holiday allowance: up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Additional leave can be purchased.
- A buzzing pension: Enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme with options to top up benefits. Includes life cover of three times your salary as a lump sum.
- Enhanced parental and carers leave: Ample time to bond with a newborn or support family during critical life events.
- Brilliant perks: Discounts on various services, from weekly shopping to holidays, phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
- Learn and grow: Opportunities for learning and development through workshops, training sessions, apprenticeships, and qualifications.
- A Good Employment Charter member: Secure, flexible work with annual pay reviews, recognition of three trade unions, and support for health and wellbeing throughout your working life.
- Up to 3 days volunteering leave: Paid volunteering leave in addition to existing benefits.
Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council
At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people, and young people.
Support During the Process
- Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
- Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.
Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
Requirements:
- We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:
- Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
- Current or former care leavers
- Have a disability or long-term condition
- Completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programme
If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the Supporting Statement section of your application.
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When You Join Us
We’re a Disability Confident Employer, Offering:
- A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice, and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
- Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network, and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
- A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.
What we will need from you if you’re successful
- In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.
Pre-Employment Checks
- Required:
- Proof of Right to Work: Documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not guaranteed for this role.
- References: References from your current and previous employer(s).
- Proof of Qualifications: Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: A criminal record check may be necessary, depending on the role.
- Proof of Manchester Residency: Some roles may require proof of residency within the boundaries of Manchester City Council.
- Police Vetting: Some roles may require police vetting to ensure suitability for accessing sensitive law enforcement systems or information.
- Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Clearance: Used for roles involving access to government data, systems, or assets to ensure basic security requirements are met.
- Driving Licence: Evidence of a valid driving licence if the role requires driving.
These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.
Other Relevant Information
We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.
For more information about the role, please ensure you read the role profile attached.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
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