Enforcement Officer

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Assist and direct the statutory powers of enforcement and planning control, including the investigating of complaints, the monitoring of development and liaison with other Regulatory bodies.

• The investigation of complaints, the accurate recording of facts and the preparation of reports concerning alleged breaches of planning control received from councillors, council officers, interest groups and members of the public.

• To assist the Planning Enforcement Manager in providing advice and guidance to Development Management as required

• Advising complainant and persons responsible for breach of control of actions to be pursued/necessary in relation to any unauthorised development.

• The collection of evidence, the preparation of statements and the presentation of the Council’s case in respect of prosecutions in the Magistrates or Crown Court.

• Giving expert advice on the enforcement of planning control, including whether there has been a breach of control, the appropriate remedial action and the most expedient action in the event of non compliance with legal notices etc.

• The monitoring of sites to ensure that development is proceeding in accordance with conditions attached to a planning permission and/or listed building consent, in liaison with the development control and field control teams. The taking of the most appropriate remedy and expedient action to put right any breach of condition/unauthorised development.

• Monitor performance and in conjunction with the Enforcement Team Leader establish priorities and service standards for enforcement.

• To give advice to other council services, members of the public, councillors and other interested parties with regard to the requirements of planning legislation

• To prepare the documentation and plans required to obtain the authority to take formal action when necessary

• To serve notices and summonses and to hand deliver any other documentation

• To be responsible for the correct implementation of the requirements of the PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence Act) including giving formal cautions; Criminal Investigations and Procedures Act; RIPA (Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act) and Human Rights legislation, in order to protect the Council from litigation or the costs of abortive legal actions brought about by non-adherence.

• Dealing with appeals against planning decisions, including the preparation of the Council’s case and the presenting of evidence at Public Inquiries and hearings, where appropriate.

• Assessing and processing of planning applications and applications for consent to display advertisements and demolish/alter Listed Buildings/Trees etc including: the carrying out of all necessary consultations and negotiations; the preparation of recommendations and reports; and attendance at Committee or Area Committee meetings as required.

• Review new legislation and consultation papers on enforcement and contribute to the preparation and review of DC policy and Supplementary Guidance.

• To use all resources (both time and financial) allocated to specific projects and areas of work effectively and efficiently in accordance with service objectives and the team’s work programme.

• To monitor, review and ensure a balanced and cost effective discharge of the Service’s functions by organising and continuously developing working practices.

• Contribute to sustainable development in all duties undertaken.

• To participate in all aspects of training and development of staff, including the maintenance of disciplinary standards, as directed. Use all learning opportunities to develop personal skills necessary to improve effectiveness, efficiency and delivery of service in recognition of the Portfolio’s business and service targets.

Qualifications and

Training

1. A degree/diploma or equivalent relevant experience in Town Planning or current attendance in a course leading to a degree/diploma in Town Planning. *
2. Evidence of allied skills (e.g. urban design, DC policy work, local planning, collection and preparation of evidence to be used in Court)

Experience

1. A background in Town & Country Planning or work in an area requiring the interpretation and implementation of legislation*
2. Considerable knowledge of the planning process and/or experience of enforcement of planning control.*
3. Significant experience of dealing directly in person with members of the public*
4. Experience of writing / preparing appeal statements*
5. Experience of obtaining, preparing and giving evidence in criminal court proceedings.
6. Working knowledge of PACE, RIPA, CPI Acts and Human Rights legislation
7. Use of evaluation and monitoring systems