We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, conscientious and enthusiastic individual to work in the planning enforcement team. This is an exciting opportunity to help deliver a high-quality planning service to provide growth in accordance with our adopted Local Plan and prevent unauthorised and inappropriate development in the district. You will carry out a range of functions within the enforcement team, including maintaining and monitoring comprehensive records of enforcement complaints, action, and enquiries, engaging with the public on planning enforcement, and investigating breaches in accordance with the Council’s Enforcement Protocol and Plan. This is an exciting career opportunity for those interested in shaping the built environment for existing and future communities in the district. Main Duties Investigate enforcement complaints and enquiries, visit sites and meet complainants and owners, manage cases and assist in enforcement work of the Planning Enforcement team, in accordance with the Council’s Planning Enforcement Protocol, and in reporting to the Principal Planning Enforcement Officer, propose statutory notices for service. Manage and resolve a caseload of minor enforcement complaints and enquiries, negotiate with individuals responsible for breaches in accordance with the standards of the Council’s Planning Enforcement Protocol, and respond to changing priorities and work within the department as appropriate. Maintain and monitor comprehensive records of enforcement complaints, action, enquiries including monthly and yearly targets, making sure that all corporate systems remain updated, and handling administration of planning enforcement service. Visiting sites to investigate alleged breaches of planning enforcement to record information. Provide assistance and regular contact with the public, elected members, Parish/Town Councils and amenity societies regarding planning enforcement matters, to further the Council’s Enforcement role in supporting local communities, and provide general planning enforcement advice and guidance to the public and professional representatives, including telephone enquiries and written advice. Compiling and analysing statistics of all complaints and cases investigated, reporting statistics to the Principal Planning Enforcement Officer as necessary. Required Attributes Knowledge of planning database systems and specific knowledge of planning law, practice and enforcement process. Excellent verbal and written communication and persuasive skills. Manage workload to meet defined deadlines and targets. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive professional relationships with others. Ability to interpret plans and drawings and assess technical information submitted with planning applications in relation to planning enforcement enquiries. Ability to explain sometimes complex technical information and procedures in simple terms to the public. The creativity to resolve problems and potential conflict between developers and objectors and thus achieve positive outcome for all stakeholders. Full driving licence. For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Nicki Burford, Principal Enforcement Officer, at nicki.burfordthanet.gov.uk .