WMJobs
Planning Enforcement Officer
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Role Overview
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council,
You will be responsible for investigating and resolving breaches of planning control, land condition issues, and related environmental enforcement matters. The role involves undertaking site inspections, carrying out land ownership investigations through Land Registry and other searches, and serving statutory notices including Section 330 Notices, Planning Contravention Notices, and Section 215 Notices.
The postholder manages enforcement cases from initial investigation through to compliance, including monitoring sites, coordinating works in default, and liaising with Legal Services to ensure enforcement action is undertaken correctly and cost effectively.
The role also includes providing specialist advice on tree preservation and high hedges legislation, supporting the removal of unauthorised advertisements and highway obstructions, and contributing to multi-agency environmental improvement initiatives. Responsibilities extend to preparing reports for committees and working groups, presenting evidence at appeals and prosecutions, responding to public enquiries and correspondence, and maintaining accurate records and performance statistics to support effective service delivery.
Essential Requirements
- A degree in Town and Country Planning or related degree sufficient to enable study leading to MRTPI
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team while also demonstrating the initiative and self-motivation to work independently.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate tactfully and diplomatically in challenging situations.
- Ability to respond positively and sensitively when dealing with individuals who may be upset, distressed, angry or confrontational.
- Proven ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet demanding deadlines.
- Willingness to take responsibility and make sound, informed decisions.
- Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to work constructively with developers, applicants, consultees and other interested parties to achieve positive outcomes.
- Ability to mediate between conflicting interests and facilitate balanced, practical solutions.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and professionally.
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, elected Members, external agencies and members of the public.
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About You
You will have experience in planning enforcement and a comprehensive, up-to-date understanding of planning law, policy, enforcement procedures, and the prosecution process. You will be confident interpreting complex planning legislation, including permitted development rights, and capable of managing a demanding and varied caseload effectively.
You will hold a recognised qualification in Town Planning or possess significant relevant experience within the planning profession. Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI), or a commitment to working towards full membership and continuing professional development, is desirable.
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The successful candidate will possess excellent communication, presentation, and organisational skills, together with strong IT literacy and the ability to work independently and make sound professional judgements. As the role requires regular site visits across the Borough, you must hold a full driving licence, have access to a vehicle, and be able to travel independently.
Application Process
Closing date: 1st September 2026.
Please submit a CV and supporting statement to: derrick_bramwell@sandwell.gov.uk before the closing date.
We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to their advertised date if we receive a large number of applications. Therefore, you are strongly advised to submit your CV as soon as possible. When submitting your CV and supporting statement, please refer to the supporting documents attached.
If you are an internal candidate and currently at risk, please let the recruiting manager know.
If you wish to apply as Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV.
If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, please contact derrick_bramwell@sandwell.gov.uk
For more information about working for Sandwell Council, our recruitment process and our offer to you please visit https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/counciljobs
Click here to find out more about our One Team Framework: Values and Behaviours https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/WeAreSandwell/council/story
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