Planning Enforcement Lead Officer 

Ref: 197

Salary: £50,512 p.a. plus benefits

37 hours per week

At Swindon we want our town to be the best it can be. Our ambitious vision in the new ‘Swindon Plan’ is supported by realistic transformation programmes, with the people of Swindon at their heart. Because that’s who we’re doing it for – the communities and businesses that make our town great.

As a key member of the Council’s planning team you will have a direct impact on delivering The ‘Swindon Plan’ through the planning process. We can only build a better Swindon if we have the skills in place to use our planning powers to make sure that development meets our expectations and that of our residents. It’s all for better public services. Better processes. And a better quality of life, for everyone. Join us, and Swindon will be better with you.

To help deliver the ‘Swindon Plan’ we are looking for an enthusiastic Planning Enforcement Lead Officer to lead our team who will play an important part in all the planning enforcement functions of the council.

As the planning enforcement lead, you will report directly to the Borough’s Chief Planning Officer and will be responsible for a small team dealing with a diverse range of priority planning enforcement cases in the Borough. A responsive planning enforcement function is critical to delivering our vision for Swindon and your role will be to lead in that area.

You will manage a small team and bring your knowledge and experience of relevant legislation relating to planning enforcement to a local authority where you will manage your own workload to meet targets, working both in the office and on site.

Your next role

You will be an experienced, skilled and highly motivated individual with a background in managing planning contraventions to deliver high quality development in our Borough and to protect amenities for all. This role provides a great opportunity for a dynamic individual with a ‘can do’ attitude to be part of a strong, dynamic team. The postholder will lead and provide corporate support on all aspects of the planning enforcement process. 

You will lead investigations of alleged breaches of planning control, negotiate improvements where formal enforcement action may not be expedient, and pursue formal action where necessary. 

As this is a customer facing role you will need to have excellent communication skills and you will need to be confident in your ability to deal with a wide range of stakeholders and difficult situations.

You will need to prepare and deliver formal and informal reports to all levels of management and relevant committees, including recommendations for appropriate action, whilst demonstrating a confidence in dealing with difficult situations and be able to communicate effectively with the public. 

If you have either planning or wider enforcement experience we would like to hear from you.

You must be fluent in the English language (as a requirement of Part 7 of the Immigration Act “for the effective performance of a customer-facing role”). A valid current Driving Licence and access to a vehicle is essential.

Your next package

Please see our Rewards and Benefits offer for more details.

As an employee, you will receive a diverse and exciting environment in which to work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst recognising the need to support ongoing personal development and a flexible work life balance.

For Swindon to thrive in the future, we need to lay the foundations now. It’s why our regeneration and transformation programmes are already underway. So, you’ll be joining us at an exciting time on our journey. We’ll look to you to share your knowledge, influence decisions and drive real, positive change. With your contributions, we’ll achieve our vision of a prosperous, re-vitalised Swindon together. And you’ll be proud to say it was made better with you.

Please see our Vison and Values page for more details.

Your next steps

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from a diverse range of communities, and in particular disabled people and people from ethnic minorities. Read our statement of commitment to equality & inclusion

Read the role profile and to apply please send your CV and cover letter to resourcing@swindon.gov.uk outlining your skills and experience.

Potential applicants are sometimes put off if they don’t meet 100% of the requirements of the job role or hours. We think individual experience, skills and passion make all the difference, so if you meet the majority of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion regarding the position, the organisation and the team structure, please contact Richard Bell, Director of Strategic Development, email rbell@swindon.gov.uk

Closing date: 13 August 2024 at 5pm

Interview date: 29 August 2024