Planning Enforcement Officer / Senior Planning Enforcement Officer

Location: Romford

Job Type: Temporary 

Duration of booking: Expected to last 3 months with possible extension

Proposed start date: ASAP

Pay Rates:  £35 Umbrella

Hours / Working Days: 38 hours per week - Home-based with regular site visits Primary office: Town Hall, Main Road, Romford (1–2 days per week in Romford required)

Sector: Public Sector 

Driving Requirement - Full UK driving licence essential -Council pool cars provided for site visits

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Planning Enforcement Officer / Senior Planning Enforcement Officer to manage a high-volume and complex caseload of planning enforcement matters.

You will be responsible for independently managing 100+ alleged breaches of planning control, undertaking investigations, carrying out frequent site visits, assessing matters against planning law and policy, and making robust, defensible recommendations.

Given Havering’s size, rural character, and significant Green Belt coverage, the role requires a confident enforcement professional who is comfortable progressing cases swiftly, including the early use of formal enforcement action where appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a large and varied caseload of alleged planning enforcement breaches
• Undertake investigations, including 12–20 site visits per week
• Assess breaches against planning legislation, regulations, and policy guidance
• Negotiate resolutions where appropriate, while progressing formal action when required
• Draft, serve, and personally serve Enforcement Notices and Breach of Condition Notices
• Prepare detailed and accurate site visit notes and enforcement reports suitable for legal proceedings
• Write appeal statements and represent the Council at hearings, inquiries, and court, where necessary
• Respond professionally to enquiries and complaints from members of the public, Councillors, and MPs
• Maintain clear, comprehensive, and legally robust records that can be relied upon as evidence
• Work collaboratively with the Team Leader, Deputy Team Leader, planning colleagues, and legal services
• Participate in ongoing training, upskilling, and professional development opportunities

Experience

• Recent and demonstrable experience managing a busy planning enforcement caseload
• Extensive knowledge of the planning system, enforcement legislation, regulations, and policy guidance
• Proven experience serving enforcement and breach of condition notices
• Experience preparing appeal statements and representing an authority at appeals or court
• Strong negotiation skills balanced with the confidence to pursue formal enforcement action
• Experience dealing with the public, elected members, and responding to MP enquiries
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure
• Exceptional attention to detail and record-keeping skills suitable for legal scrutiny
• The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment

Working Arrangements

• The role is primarily home-based, with regular travel required for site visits
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required and will be remunerated