Planning Enforcement Officer

Planning Enforcement Officer (Career Graded)

Job description

Are you passionate about planning, the built environment, and making a positive difference to local communities?

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Planning Enforcement Officer to join our Development Management team. This is an exciting opportunity to build a rewarding career in planning enforcement, helping to protect the character of our towns, villages and countryside by investigating and resolving breaches of planning control.

We are recruiting to a career grade post, meaning applications are welcomed from both those looking to develop a career in planning enforcement and experienced enforcement professionals. Successful candidates can be appointed at the appropriate grade based on qualifications, skills and experience, with support and development opportunities available to progress through the career grade structure.

About the Role

As a Planning Enforcement Officer, you will investigate alleged breaches of planning control, undertake site inspections, gather evidence, manage enforcement cases and provide advice to residents, councillors, developers and other stakeholders.

In this role, you will:

• Manage a caseload of enforcement investigations
• Conduct site inspections and gather evidence
• Prepare reports, notices, and legal documentation
• Advise the public and stakeholders on planning enforcement matters
• Support appeals, hearings and court proceedings
• Work closely with planning colleagues to achieve positive outcomes for communities across the district

About You

We are looking for individuals who have excellent communication skills, strong organisational abilities, and a genuine commitment to public service.

For entry-level applicants, you may have experience in a regulatory, planning or customer-focused environment and be keen to develop a professional career in planning enforcement.

For experienced applicants, you will have significant practical planning enforcement experience, including managing complex caseloads, preparing enforcement reports and notices, dealing with appeals and legal proceedings, and providing robust professional advice.

You will also:

• Be able to investigate issues objectively and solve problems effectively
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills
• Work confidently with a wide range of customers and stakeholders
• Demonstrate excellent time management and organisational skills
• Be committed to delivering a high-quality customer-focused service

You need a full driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.

Why Join Us?

At Stroud District Council, our values are at the heart of everything we do:

• Valuing our People
• Making a Difference
• Aiming High
• Being One Council

We offer a supportive working environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to contribute directly to protecting the quality and character of the Stroud District.

Apply Now

If you're looking for a role where you can make a real impact on local communities while developing your planning enforcement career, we'd love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the Gemma Davis, Development Team Manager, Gemma.Davis@stroud.gov.uk or Simon Penketh, Principal Planning Enforcement Officer, Simon.Penketh@stroud.gov.uk

CLOSING DATE: 18th October 2026

INTERVIEW DATE: 29th October 2026

In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm we provide a range of staff benefits. Please click here for more information: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/benefits-of-working-for-us

A local government reorganisation is planned for Gloucestershire, which may result in changes to structures and services. Potential changes are provisionally timetabled for April 2028. We are committed to supporting all employees through this transition and ensuring continuity of employment wherever possible. Joining us now means you’ll be part of shaping an exciting new chapter for local government.

It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders and sexual orientation, those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and people with disabilities.

We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates and value the diverse lived experiences they bring.

We recognise the wide range of cognitive strengths that contribute to delivering high-quality services.

We are committed to ensuring that every applicant can participate fully and fairly in our recruitment process. To support this, we offer workplace adjustments at every stage. Please let us know if you have any additional requirements as we are here to help create a positive, inclusive, and equitable experience for all.

Responsible recruitment practices for safeguarding are in place within the Council’s HR policies and processes. This is part of our commitment as a Council to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people, and children.

Stroud District has an energy unlike any other place. It’s green and dynamic, climate conscious and motivated, creative and collaborative, and unapologetically ambitious. To find out more about what makes our place, our people and our businesses so special, please follow the link to our dedicated website: Stroud District – The Natural Place

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