Principal Planning Officer (Enforcement)

The salary range for this role is £46,634 - £52,625 per annum for working 36 hours per week.

Whilst having Quadrant Court in Woking as an administrative base, the Planning Team are now working to an agile workstyle, with an expectation that Officers will work out of different locations/venues, including home. Staff are encouraged to choose the location where they think will be most productive and have access to technology to connect with team members. 

Are you looking for an opportunity to build on your planning career?

Development Management sits within the Planning Group and is the County Planning Authority in respect of applications for planning permission for mineral working, waste management operations, and county development (for example schools and highways).

Minerals and waste planning is contentious and sensitive and can involve complex technical and regulatory detail. There are approximately 50 mineral sites and 100 authorised waste sites in Surrey, plus an additional 50 sites involving unauthorised waste development. Such development often raises issues of significant public interest and requires strong organisational skills to manage them effectively.

To help us achieve our goals we have an opportunity for a Principal Planning Officer (Enforcement) to join our team to undertake key activity including:

• Dealing with unauthorised waste development and assisting with the processing of complaints and investigation around unauthorised waste development.
• Negotiating with developers to secure compliance or cessation around waste matters.
• Preparing enforcement instructions and working with legal colleagues to initiate these in line with Surrey County Council’s Enforcement Protocol and best practice.
• Supporting the wider Development Management team with planning, enforcement and appeals work and to make recommendations on proposals, including the writing of reports and presenting proposals to Committee or to senior officers acting under delegated powers.
• To represent the planning authority as an expert planning witness, to prepare and submit written representations on behalf of the Council, and to assist Counsel in the presentation of cases as required in relation to any appeals, prosecutions or POCA proceeding in relation to any enforcement notices or other planning appeals.

You will be self-confident and will value working as part of an experienced and supportive team, with an ability to work under pressure to deadlines. Effective communication skills will be crucial as well as a strong commitment to drive and deliver work, using your own initiative.

Your creative thinking and contribution of new ideas to develop processes that will improve the team’s efficiency and service delivery is encouraged and supported. In return, we will support and develop you to help you reach your own professional ambitions.

To be shortlisted to interview your CV and personal statement will clearly evidence:

• A degree with a relevant professional qualification and either eligibility for membership of the RTPI or working towards this status.
• A good understanding of minerals and waste development management issues and the UK planning system, with at least three years relevant experience in Planning Enforcement with a County Planning Authority.
• Experience in dealing with a range of customer stakeholders including applicants, consultees, Councillors, MPs and residents.
• A full UK driving licence.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 07/10/2022 with interviews to follow.

This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Contact Details

If you would to like to know more about the role, please contact Ian Gray (Planning Enforcement Team Leader) by email at ian.gray@surreycc.gov.uk or Stephen Jenkins (Planning Development Manager) by email at stephen.jenkins@surreycc.gov.uk.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Benefits

From flexible working to job sharing (where possible) we are committed to providing a healthy work life balance. A laptop and mobile will be supplied if applicable to your role. You will benefit from 26 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service, a generous local government salary related pension, as well as the option to join our car lease scheme. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit MyBenefits for Surrey County Council staff.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.