Planning Compliance Officer

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent Additional Payments
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Essential Car Allowance Closing Date: 18th August 2026 Closing time: 11.59pm Interview Method: Face to Face Legal Right to Work
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In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action This role is subject to - 2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.

Qualification - Town Planning or Related Qualification (In the absence of a related qualification, the application form will need to evidence the extent of experience needed to undertake the role without the need for significant training)
Driving Licence – you must always hold a full valid driving licence Essential Car Documentation - This post is a designated Essential Car User. Therefore, you must always hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use  will receive the Essential Car User Allowance and City Centre car parking.

The Development Compliance Team investigates breaches of planning control, these being building work and changes of use where no planning permission has been granted; although our work is not limited to just those two areas. Through the collection and collation of evidence, together with the examination, processing and evaluation of complaints, you will work as part of a team and contribute to the performance objectives of the Planning service.

Can you bring us the technical knowledge, experience, agility and innovation we need to get this done?

We are looking to recruit a Planning Compliance Officer; the role will provide the opportunity of working with varying issues, both in and out of the office where you will need to demonstrate considerable initiative and professional judgement. Working closely with Planning Officers, Building Control Surveyors and other Council Departments, you will help to ensure that development in Manchester is carried out in accordance with approved plans and where appropriate, purse more formal action when development takes place without the necessary planning permission.

You will need to be able to read and interpret technical documents, drawings and legislation in order to carry out accurate site survey work.

You will be required to collect evidence to a standard needed to pursue criminal prosecution, serve enforcement and other related notices, together with presenting evidence as the Councils expert witness at Public Inquiries, Hearings or at the Magistrates Court and higher Courts where necessary.

You will hold a recognised Town Planning qualification or have good knowledge and experience of working in a Development Management or Town Planning enforcement/compliance function, which should be evidenced in your application.

A full driving license and access to a vehicle is essential to be able to undertake the full range of duties involved in this role.

Your ability to handle situations with tact and diplomacy, especially where emotions sometimes run high, together with excellent organisational and administrative skills, will each be key to the achievement and challenge of these roles.

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities.

Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:

• We take time to listen and understand
• We work together and trust each other
• We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
• We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things
• We’re proud and passionate about Manchester