Closing date: 04 June 2026
Salary: 41,771 to £46,142 per annum, with a time limited recruitment allowance of £2,289 per annum until 28/02/2027.
This role is based in Shepton Mallet.
Join Somerset Council – one of the largest unitary authorities in the country – and work on some of the most varied and high‑profile planning projects in the UK. From major regeneration and nationally significant infrastructure to town centres, rural development and housing growth, you’ll help shape places that matter.
Following local government reorganisation, we’re a single, ambitious council serving nearly 600,000 residents. Our scale and stability offer excellent career development across Development Management, Enforcement, Planning Policy, and Minerals & Waste – including work linked to Hinkley Point C and the Somerset-wide Local Plan.
You’ll join a collaborative, forward‑thinking planning service with embedded flexibility, strong professional support and real opportunities to grow.
Role summary
As a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer, you will lead and manage planning enforcement and compliance across Somerset, handling complex cases and breaches of planning control. You’ll investigate complaints, carry out site visits, and take appropriate enforcement action to address unauthorised development.
Working closely with colleagues, stakeholders and the public, you’ll provide clear planning guidance and ensure developments meet local and national policies. You’ll prepare reports, statements and represent the council at appeals and court where required, maintaining accurate records throughout.
You’ll also support and mentor junior staff and help drive continuous improvement in planning enforcement.
What you’ll do - key responsibilities
- Investigate breaches of planning control and carry out site inspections
- Monitor development sites to ensure compliance with planning permissions
- Prepare enforcement notices, legal documents, and committee reports
- Provide clear advice to residents, developers, and stakeholders
- Represent the council at appeals, inquiries, and legal proceedings
- Keep accurate records of cases and enforcement actions
- Work with internal teams and external partners to resolve issues
- Support and mentor junior colleagues
- Help develop and improve enforcement policies and procedures
- Ensure all actions follow legislation and council policies
What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills
Essential:
- Comprehensive understanding of planning legislation, enforcement procedures, and legal processes
- Knowledge of local and national planning policies, including the Town and Country Planning Act
- Knowledge of data protection and confidentiality requirements
- Proven experience in planning enforcement or a related field
- Experience conducting site visits and inspections
- Experience preparing and serving enforcement notices
- Experience preparing reports and presenting at planning committees
- Experience representing an organisation at appeals and court proceedings
- Degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or a related field
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. RTPI)
- Evidence of continuous professional development in planning and enforcement
- Excellent investigative and analytical skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation
- Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to work independently and manage a diverse caseload
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders
Desirable:
- Awareness of environmental and sustainability issues related to planning
- Experience of the Proceeds of Crime Act
- Experience mentoring or supervising junior staff
- Professional qualification in planning enforcement
- Training in legal aspects of planning enforcement
- Proficiency in using planning and enforcement software
Additional Information
- Permanent, 37 hours a week.
- Flexible and Hybrid working (1-2 days per week in the Office)
- 30 days annual leave, not including Bank Holidays.
- Extensive CPD and peer support.
- Opportunity to work on a wide range of interesting projects, offering unique opportunities to develop your experience and skills.
- Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Dawn deVries [email protected] or Neil Waddleton [email protected]
A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.
