Trainee Planning Enforcement Officer

Salary – Grade 3 (£25,183 - £27,269)

Hours – 37 hours – office based, on-site, hybrid, flexible working

The role

We are currently looking to appoint a Trainee Planning Enforcement Officer who will be responsible for assisting in the delivery of the Enforcement & Planning roles within the Council’s Development Management Service.  There will be the opportunity to study for a degree/Master’s degree in Town and Country Planning.

Qualifications

Educated to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent is essential

P.A.C.E trained – desirable

Duties and responsibilities  

  • Carry out effective and efficient investigation of complaints, non-compliance and other alleged contraventions of planning and related legislation and to gather information relating to possible infringements of any statutory controls operated by the Council or of any possible breaches of any relevant legislation.
  • Assist the Enforcement Lead Officer in assessing each enforcement case, identifying appropriate action and undertake surveillance in accordance with RIPA guidelines if required.
  • Prepare statements and assist with the presentation of evidence concerning enforcement cases at legal proceedings and appeals.
  • Assist the Enforcement Lead Officer to properly conclude all enforcement investigations, advising complainants and those investigated, if possible of outcomes.
  • Work in liaison with other officers to ensure a fully integrated service for our customers under relevant legislation and provide a good quality of customer service.
  • Dealing with general enforcement & planning matters and enquires including advising members of the public, applicants, developers and other users of the planning service in a polite, helpful and business-like manner and carrying out negotiations with them during the planning application process as well as participating in a duty rota. 
  • Dealing with other related systems of control and preparing delegated and non-delegated reports on planning proposals for determination, including:
  • Listed building and conservation area controls;
  • Advertisement controls;
  • Householder and minor commercial applications;
  • Consultations from other authorities/agencies;
  • Prior notification procedures;
  • Certificates of lawfulness of use and development;

Person Specification

  • Willingness to learn to undertake planning and enforcement work, collating evidence and attending site visits.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and personal details and deal with confidential / sensitive issues.
  • Ability to deal with customers both internal and external ‘face to face’ and via telephone or email in a professional and timely manner.
  • Experience of working as part of a team to deliver service initiatives and developing solutions to problems.
  • Ability to resolve conflict in a calm and diplomatic decisive manner and to negotiate, demonstrate and communicate ideas effectively with professionals and non-specialists both verbally and in writing.  The ability to build relationships and communicate with all levels within the Council.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as analytical skills with the ability to write clear, concise and justified application reports and other statements.
  • Ability to use own initiative to organise and manage own workload effectively and making decisions within pre-determined guidelines.
  • A commitment to developing and maintaining high levels of customer service in accordance with the Council’s Customer Service Standards
  • A commitment to personal development and a willingness to demonstrate the council’s values and behaviours
  • Full current driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes
  • The ability to occasionally work outside normal office hours

Benefits

  • Flexible working
  • Hybrid working
  • Family friendly policies
  • On-site free parking
  • Up to 31 days' annual leave
  • Option to purchase additional leave
  • Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme
  • Savings and loan scheme
  • Discounted gym membership
  • Generous pension scheme
  • Additional voluntary contribution to AVC
  • Staff reward scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Employee forums (Your Voice, Health & Wellbeing)

General Statement

The information contained in this job description is provided to assist employees joining the council to understand and appreciate the work content of their post and the role they will play in the organisation. However, the following point should be noted:

  • Whilst every endeavour has been made to outline all the duties and responsibilities of the post, a document such as this does not permit every item to be specified in detail. Broad headings, therefore, may have been used, in which case all the usual associated routines are naturally included in the job description.

How to apply

Download and complete the application form at https://www.rossendale.gov.uk

Application forms should be returned to: recruitment@rossendalebc.gov.uk OR

Rossendale Borough Council, People & Policy, The Business Centre, Futures Park, Bacup, Lancashire, OL13 0BB

Alternatively, email your name and address, quoting reference number PP0002 to recruitment@rossendalebc.gov.uk or telephone People and Policy on 01706 252513.

 

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people.  To qualify, you will need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

  • Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
  • If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.

 

Closing Date        – Monday 20th January 2025 at 10am

Interview Date     – To be confirmed