Principal Planning Officer

Guildford Borough is a regional centre for leisure, business, education, retail and culture.  Guildford is a thriving market town that has maintained much of its historic character and is a principal shopping destination with a vibrant night-time economy. The town’s location provides excellent transport links as well as providing the balance of being surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the Surrey Hills National Landscape. All of these factors contribute to a quality of life that makes it one of the best places to live in the UK.   

We want to appoint one experienced and dedicated Principal Planning Enforcement Officer to join our skilled and fast-paced Planning Enforcement Services which deals with a wide range of complaints about alleged breaches of planning control.

It is an excellent time to work at Guildford, the Authority has an up-to-date local plan, with a keen focus on preserving the Borough’s heritage and landscape whilst ensuring that the Borough provides high quality homes and access to employment.

The Principal Officer in the Planning Enforcement Team will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of planning enforcement files, including contentious matters that may require court attendance and participation in planning enforcement appeals, including inquiries. You will also be one of the key officers responsible for mentoring junior staff.  

The role

Principal Planning Enforcement Officer (Planning Enforcement):

You will play a key role in the investigation and management of a wide range of planning enforcement cases, including cases of a contentious and complicated nature.  You will be required to draft and prepare enforcement reports and notices, independently manage and represent the Council at enforcement appeals (including public inquiries) and the role may also require you to represent the Council in court proceedings.  As set out above, the role will involve working with applications in the urban area, the Green Belt, National Landscape, on sites within conservation areas and which impact on listed buildings.  In addition, you will be expected to assist with the mentoring of junior colleagues.

What’s in it for you? 

We are a diverse organisation, delivering a wide range of services and employing people with a broad range of skills. We want to attract the best staff, so we offer excellent benefits, including: a competitive salary; flexible working arrangements; Hybrid working, cycle to work scheme, payment of one professional membership per annum, mileage allowance and training and development opportunities where required.   

We also provide health and wellbeing initiatives, an employee assistance program and staff discounts off a range of well-known high street shops and supermarkets.  

Additional information

For more information about the role and what a successful candidate needs, please see the attached Job Description.