Job Description

Senior Planning Enforcement Officer

Rochford District Council

Temporary, Full Time

£45.00 per hour (umbrella)

Location: Rochford

Closing Date: 6th August 2026

Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Rochford District Council to recruit a Planning Enforcement Officer on a 6-month temporary basis.

Please note this role is being offered on a hybrid role but you will be required to visit the District to undertake site visits on a regular basis.

The role

To play an active role in aiding and facilitating the work of the Development Management Enforcement Team, including investigating breaches of Planning Control, Enforcement Appeals, Monitoring of Planning Conditions and any other matters deemed appropriate by the Planning Manager or Assistant Director for Place and Environment.

Accountabilities

• Undertake site inspections to identify planning breaches, make detailed notes, take photographs, erect site notices and seek resolution of the identified breach
• Work within the requirements of The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) and The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)
• Prepare draft Enforcement Notices for the Team Leader to review and to sign, and where necessary, serve Notices when directed
• Serve any summons or legal document as required, execute warrants and complete all necessary records related to these
• Prepare statements of evidence and instructions to legal services, for the prosecution of the failure to comply with the requirements of any notice where expedient to do so. Give evidence in court as and when required
• Assist in the processing of planning applications, site visits, ensure appropriate neighbours are notified, negotiate amendments as necessary, including assessing the implications of specific proposals, ensuring necessary consultations with other agencies and third parties are undertaken in accordance with the Authority's practices and statutory provisions
• Provide written responses on planning matters to applicants including developers and landowners, as well as handling general planning enquiries, including responding to Members' queries and comments

The Experience You Will Bring

• Knowledge of current Planning issues, Government legislation and guidance, etc.
• Good verbal communication skills with clients both on the telephone and in person
• Planning qualification – first degree or post graduate
• Planning Appeal work, in particular Hearings and Inquiries

Our Culture and Values

At Rochford District Council we like our workforce to be proactive and innovative. Being customer focused and willing to maximise your potential at work are expected. We all work together to achieve the very best for our residents which sometimes means getting involved in projects and trying new tasks outside of your day-to-day job role. We love our team to suggest new ideas and to have enthusiasm to try out new experiences.

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email louise.butler@essex.gov.uk