Planning Enforcement Officer
Team: Planning Enforcement
Job Family: Directing - CBG10
Salary: £38,476 to £40,069 per annum pro rata
Hours: 37 Hours per week
Location: You will be expected to attend a CBC office location as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than once per month.
Contract Type: Hybrid - Permanent
Closing Date: 6th September 2026
Interview Date: 16th September 2026
About the role
To provide expert advice and guidance in support of and assist in the delivery of the Council’s planning enforcement plan to agreed performance standards to ensure Central Bedfordshire Council can operate an effective planning enforcement service.
Main areas of responsibility
To investigate and determine whether a breach of planning control has occurred based on planning legislation and decide on the most appropriate course of action. Monitor compliance with enforcement notices and planning conditions and determine whether a breach of planning control has occurred based on planning legislation.
To prepare and issue formal enforcement, stop notices, and breach of condition notices. Draft reports and recommendations for legal proceedings and planning committees and liaise with legal teams to initiate prosecutions when necessary.
The post-holder will be expected to Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records, reports, and correspondence. Provide updates to complainants, councillors, and senior officers. Present cases to planning committees, appeal hearings, and court as needed and prioritise a varied caseload of enforcement cases.
To be able to work with other departments within the Council (e.g. legal, building control, environmental health) and to engage with members of the public, developers, agents, and councillors.
Responsibilities will also include attendance at internal and external meetings from time to time and contribute to corporate-led and other initiatives where coordinated joint enforcement action may be needed.
Candidates must have have a strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, particularly relating to planning enforcement and experience of dealing with planning enforcement cases or similar regulatory work. They must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong investigative and analytical skills. The ability to manage a varied caseload and work independently is a must and experience of presenting evidence at hearings, inquiries, or in court.
Our Offer
We have a number of rewards and benefits available to our staff, to view these please visit our Rewards and Benefits page
Our aspiration is to be a truly flexible employer. We welcome discussion on location, hours and working pattern as part of the application process.
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You will be expected to demonstrate how you meet the key accountabilities and competencies in this Recruitment Pack.
Our Competency Framework and Qualification Guidance are to be read in conjunction with our Recruitment Pack.
For an informal discussion about this position, please contact: Rebecca Rousell at Rebecca.rousell@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk - 0300 300 6665 or James Clancy at James.Clancy2@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk - 0300 300 6418
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Your application to us is a reflection of who you are professionally and should give us an accurate and authentic picture of your skills, experiences and if applicable qualifications. Before you submit your application, we will ask you to confirm if you have used AI.
All new starters will join us on a four‑month probationary period. During this time, if you are offered a Hybrid role you will be required to attend a Central Bedfordshire Council office location more frequently to support thorough and well‑supported onboarding into your role. Please keep this in mind if you anticipate extensive travel to Central Bedfordshire.
Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for our roles. Successful applicants that may require a visa will need to consider the options for obtaining and/or maintaining the legal right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the contract offered.