Are you passionate about planning and making a real difference in your community? If so, Braintree District Council are looking for a Planning Enforcement Officer and a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer to join our small but mighty team.

Location: Braintree, Essex, CM7 9HB

Salary: £30,313 to £44,086 per annum

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

About Us:

Braintree is an ambitious and dynamic Council and is becoming one of the fastest growing Districts in the East of England with three growing towns, London just 45 minutes away and the district located directly between the international transport centres of Stansted Airport and Harwich and Felixstowe International Ports. We have a deserved track record for delivering and a strong reputation within the business community.

The Role:

The Council is seeking to tackle enforcement in an efficient and effective manner with the Planning Enforcement Team making a positive difference to the District. We are now seeking to recruit to two posts:

Planning Enforcement Officer x 1

£30,313 - £34,612 per annum, full-time, permanent

Senior Planning Enforcement Officer x 1

£39,868 - £44,086 per annum, full-time, permanent

Planning Enforcement Officer – Key Responsibilities:

• You will be carrying out site inspections, offering advice and resolving breaches of planning control through the most appropriate action
• Drafting of reports and formal notices, collecting evidence in a prescribed manner, the preparation of case files for legal/appeal proceedings and giving evidence at Court or during the appeal process

Senior Planning Enforcement Officer – Key Responsibilities:

• Negotiate resolutions, you’ll take formal action where necessary in the shape of serving notices, dealing with appeals and representing the Council as a witness at appeal hearings, public inquiries and prosecutions in Court
• You will have gained experience of working on a wide range of planning matters and you will have a working knowledge of CPIA, PACE and RIPA rules
• You will mentor junior officers and provide cover for the Planning Enforcement Manager where required

Requirements:

• You will have some enforcement experience gained within a regulatory environment along with an understanding of planning legislation, legal proceedings and the role of the planning department
• The ability to read and understand plans, work to deadlines, and manage a large caseload is needed for the role
• You will have experience of dealing with the public and must have the ability to confidently resolve challenging contraventions whilst working in a constructive and positive way
• A working knowledge of CPIA, PACE and RIPA rules is desirable as is experience gained from working within a planning environment
• A strong work ethic, excellent verbal and written communication, and customer service skills
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential

Some of the benefits of working for Braintree District Council are:

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Hybrid working arrangements are available in this role (home/office based) subject to business need
• Local government pension scheme
• Learning and development for all staff
• Staff discounts at local businesses
• Staff recognition schemes
• Extensive health and wellbeing programme including discounted gym membership

Closing date: Midnight on Monday 18th August 2025

Interviews w/c 25th August 2025 and 1st September 2025

To submit your application for these exciting Planning Enforcement Officer opportunities, please click ‘Apply’ now!