Senior Compliance Officer

Location: High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9SD

Contract: 3-Month Contract

Working Pattern: Hybrid Working – 2 Days in Office, 3 Days Remote

Elmbridge Borough Council is looking for a seasoned Senior Compliance Officer to join their Development Management Team. This role is pivotal for professionals in planning enforcement, focusing on investigating and resolving planning control breaches. The position involves managing intricate enforcement cases and ensuring developments adhere to planning permissions and conditions. As part of a dedicated Compliance Team, you will manage a diverse caseload of planning enforcement investigations, engage with residents, developers, elected officials, and legal services, and contribute significantly to proactive enforcement initiatives throughout the borough.

• Conduct investigations into alleged planning control breaches.
• Review planning history, approved plans, and related documentation.
• Perform site inspections and gather evidence of planning violations.
• Interview landowners, occupiers, developers, and the public.
• Facilitate compliance and achieve suitable planning outcomes.
• Prepare detailed enforcement reports and recommendations.
• Collaborate with Legal Services on formal enforcement actions.
• Draft and issue enforcement notices and related legal documents.
• Compile evidence for appeals, hearings, public inquiries, and court cases.
• Address inquiries from residents, councillors, developers, and stakeholders.
• Support proactive planning enforcement projects across the borough.
• Contribute to committee reporting, officer training, and service enhancements.

• Extensive experience in Planning Enforcement and associated procedures.
• Proven track record in investigating planning control breaches.
• Experience in conducting site inspections and evidence collection.
• Skilled in interviewing the public and obtaining statements.
• Comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation and enforcement processes.
• Familiarity with relevant legislation and guidance, including:
  • Planning Enforcement
  • PACE
  • RIPA
• Proficiency in interpreting technical plans and drawings.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management abilities.
• Capability to manage workloads independently and adhere to deadlines.
• Solid record-keeping and reporting skills.
• Valid Full UK Driving Licence.
• Degree in Planning or a related professional qualification.
• Membership in the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Access to a vehicle for site visits.
• Experience in Local Authority planning enforcement.

• 3-Month Contract
• Hybrid Working – 2 Days in Office / 3 Days Remote
• Bi-weekly Pay
• Opportunity to work on a wide array of planning enforcement cases.
• Join a specialized Development Management and Compliance team.
• Potential for contract extension.

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Senior Compliance Officer, Planning Enforcement Officer, Planning Compliance Officer, Enforcement Specialist, Development Management Officer, Planning Investigator, or Senior Planning Officer.