Planning Enforcement Officer

To assist in providing a high quality, customer-focused planning service by investigating alleged breaches of planning control, pursuing the most appropriate and effective action to remedy these, working closely with Development Management / Conservation / Policy Planners and Officers in other services.

Client Details

Hertsmere Borough Council is the local government authority for the Borough of Hertsmere in Hertfordshire, England. It is responsible for a range of local services including housing, planning, waste collection, and recreational facilities. The council operates from its main offices in Borehamwood, serving a diverse community that includes towns such as Bushey, Radlett, Potters Bar, and Elstree. As part of its functions, Hertsmere Borough Council also works to support local economic development and environmental sustainability initiatives.

Description

1. Investigate and monitor cases of alleged breaches of planning control (including protected trees and listed buildings). These investigations may include - clarifying if the allegation constitutes development; reviewing the site history; assessing the extent of permitted development rights; interviewing and taking statements from developers, builders, complainants and others under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act; taking photographs and measurements; comparing measurements or materials on site against submitted drawings and plans.
2. Contribute to the efficient running of the service as a member of the wider planning enforcement team.
3. Maintain records of all investigations, including the preparation of formal file notes, ensuring that any evidence is presented in a logical and coherent manner.
4. Make recommendations as to the appropriate course of action to address any alleged breaches of planning control in consultation with other Enforcement Officers, Planning Officers and Legal Officers. This may include the preparation of formal reports (both expediency and delegated) for approval.
5. When instructed to do so, to produce written reports and recommendations for retrospective planning applications and certificates of lawful development.
6. Serve Notices, by hand, where personal service is required.
7. To organise, maintain and develop systems for the processing of enforcement enquiries.
8. To assist in good public relations; for example attending public meetings of outside bodies to give talks and communicating the work of the Local Planning Authority.

Profile

Demonstrable experience of previous local authority planning and enforcement work.

Experience of following policies and procedures.

Experience of dealing with customers (particularly in relation to contentious issues).

Experience of implementing legislation.

Experience of records management.

Knowledge of the planning system and its objectives.

An awareness of the importance of confidentiality.

Knowledge of the political and democratic context in which the Council operates.

Customer Focus

· Takes a customer service approach to service delivery.

· Strives continuously to exceed customers' expectations.

Outcome Driven

· Able to prioritise and meet statutory and organisational deadlines.

· Assesses and handles risk effectively.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

· Takes ownership of problems.

· Demonstrates initiative and uses good judgment.

· Demonstrates investigative skills.

Change & Adaptability

· Takes a positive attitude towards change.

Communication

· Able to effectively liaise with customers, colleagues, outside bodies and Councillors, in writing, by phone and face to face.

· Able to deal with difficult customer situations constructively and with tact.

Team Working

· Able to build effective, supportive working relationships.

· Demonstrates a flexible approach to work.

· Contributes positively within a team environment.

· Demonstrates a willingness to learn and assist team members.

Quality of Work

· Produces concise written work of a high quality with a good attention to detail.

· Demonstrates accuracy, and a systematic and thorough approach to record keeping.

IT/Technical Skills

· Able to use Microsoft Office to a good standard.

· Able to quickly grasp the use of specialized computer packages.

Driving license and access to a vehicle for work purposes.

Able to undertake site visits, requiring the ability to:

· Travel independently.

· Make visual site assessments.

· Understand and minimize the risks of lone working.

· Access a range of sites presenting various types of terrain.

· Demonstrate a willingness to work outside normal office hours when required.

· Presents a neat and tidy appearance.

· Demonstrates political neutrality.

Job Offer

A great opportunity to work for an exciting utinary council on a competative wage.