Are you an experienced planning professional ready to make a visible impact? The District Council has an exciting Senior Planning Enforcement Officer opportunity!

Location: Essex, CM7

Salary: £36,684 to £45,498 per annum

Job Type: Full time, permanent

Closing Date: Sunday 26 July 2026

About Us:

The District Council is an ambitious and dynamic council and one of the fastest growing districts in the East of England. With three growing towns, London just 45 minutes away, and the district positioned between Stansted Airport and Harwich and Felixstowe International Ports, we have a strong track record of delivery and a deserved reputation within the business community. We pride ourselves on our creative and innovative approach, led by our employees, and are committed to an engaged workforce that understands our strategy and how they contribute to positive change in the local community.

Senior Planning Enforcement Officer - The Role:

You will join our Planning Enforcement team as a senior member, managing a varied caseload of complex, sensitive and high-profile planning enforcement matters. Your work will include site inspections, investigating alleged breaches of planning control, providing clear advice, negotiating positive outcomes and recommending appropriate courses of action. You will prepare reports and notices, gather and manage evidence, prepare case files for legal proceedings, and represent the Council at court or during appeals. You will also support and mentor junior officers and contribute to service improvement.

Senior Planning Enforcement Officer - Key Responsibilities:

Manage a varied caseload of planning enforcement matters with a focus on complex, sensitive and high-profile cases Conduct site inspections and investigate alleged breaches of planning control Prepare clear, well-reasoned reports and formal notices, and represent the Council at court and appeals Use persuasion, negotiation and formal enforcement powers appropriately to achieve compliance Support and mentor junior officers and contribute to service improvement initiatives

Senior Planning Enforcement Officer - You:

Demonstrable experience within a Local Planning Authority environment, with strong planning knowledge and sound professional judgement Ability to work independently, manage your own caseload, prioritise effectively, and handle demanding situations with tact, confidence and resilience Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong customer service, attention to detail and the motivation to deliver high-quality work within deadlines Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes (essential)

Benefits:

Flexible working with hybrid arrangements available (mix of home and office based) Local government pension scheme Learning and development for all employees Employee discounts at local businesses Employee recognition schemes Extensive health and wellbeing programmes, including discounted gym membership

What’s next?

Interviews will be held w/c 3rd August 2026

Although our vacancy is being advertised on this job board/external website, we will never ask you to submit an application through this site. To protect your personal information, please visit our The District Council site and click ‘Join our team’. You can then apply through the ‘Current Vacancies’ link.

To submit your CV for this exciting Senior Planning Enforcement Officer opportunity, click Apply today!