Principal Planning Enforcement Officer x2

Job reference VAC
009000 Date posted 22/10/2026 Final date to receive applications 16/11/2026 Location City Hall College Green City Centre Bristol BS1 5TR
Salary BG13: £48,738 - £51,928 Package Blank Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Job category/type Planning and Building Control Attachments Person  Job

We're looking for two Principal Planning Enforcement Officers to join our Planning Enforcement team at Bristol City Council.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in delivering a high-quality planning enforcement service within one of the UK's most dynamic urban environments. You'll be responsible for investigating and resolving some of the most complex and high-profile breaches of planning control, helping to protect and enhance Bristol's built and natural environment.

As a senior member of the team, you will either supervise a small team of enforcement officers while managing a small caseload or take a lead role in managing a substantial portfolio of complex enforcement projects requiring matrix and project management skills.

We're seeking an experienced and highly motivated planning enforcement professional who combines strong technical knowledge with excellent judgement, leadership and communication skills. You will be a confident decision-maker with a thorough understanding of planning legislation and enforcement practice, capable of managing complex and often contentious cases from investigation through to resolution. You'll be comfortable balancing competing priorities, assessing planning harm, and making proportionate recommendations in the public interest.

• Leading on complex and controversial planning enforcement cases.
• Investigating breaches of planning control and recommending appropriate enforcement action.
• Preparing and reviewing enforcement reports, notices and legal documentation.
• Managing a small team of enforcement officers.
• Signing off case officer reports and recommendations.
• Presenting cases to Planning Committee and engaging with elected members.
• Representing the Council at hearings, inquiries and appeals as an expert witness.
• Supervising, mentoring and developing enforcement officers.
• Contributing to service improvement and change programmes across Development Management.
• Providing expert planning enforcement advice to colleagues, residents, businesses and stakeholders.

We're looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:

• Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Detailed knowledge of planning legislation, policy and development management processes.
• Significant experience dealing with complex planning enforcement cases.
• Experience drafting enforcement notices, reports and appeal statements.
• Experience appearing at hearings and inquiries and acting as a professional witness.
• Experience supervising, mentoring or managing staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• A commitment to delivering an excellent customer-focused service.

• Experience presenting to committees and public meetings.
• Understanding of housing delivery challenges and the role of planning services.
• Experience working within a complex urban environment.

At Bristol City Council, you'll have the opportunity to work on some of the most challenging and interesting planning enforcement cases in the country, helping to shape and protect one of the UK's most vibrant and diverse cities.

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's largest and most competitive public sector pension schemes.
• Genero…