Assistant Planning Enforcement Officer

Assistant Planning Enforcement Officer - 37 Hours

Final date to receive applications: 19 June 2026

Department: Pride in Place

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Torbay Council

Reporting To: Team Manager

Compensation: £28,598 - £31,022 / year

We have an exciting opportunity within our Development Management Team for an Assistant Planning Enforcement Officer.

As an Officer working in our fast‑paced, innovative, and supportive team you will be working across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham investigating alleged breaches of planning control and taking action to remedy them. You will be delivering excellent customer service and helping to deliver on the Council’s corporate goals which include thriving people and places.

Planning enforcement work can provide a good introduction into a career in planning and in Torbay there is the opportunity to enjoy a good work‑life balance in a scenic and beautiful part of the UK.

We have a new Planning Enforcement Policy and are using new technology to monitor, prioritise and action our enforcement cases.

The role can accommodate office based or hybrid working depending on your preference. We have a whole host of benefits such as a flexible working scheme, a commitment to your wellbeing and the Local Government Pension Scheme. Sometimes there might be the need for you to work after traditional office hours, but our flexi scheme means you’ll be entitled to take those hours back at a later date.

We’re looking for new team members who are motivated, enthusiastic, good communicators and can pay close attention to detail.

You will have an interest in development management and the built environment and be willing to learn about the planning system and legislation and how this applies to breaches of planning control.

• To be able to effectively communicate using all available methods, including written and oral, formal and informal reports and in presentations taking into account issues of confidentiality.
• Ability to demonstrate effective organisational skills, particularly with self‑organisation and the ability to see tasks through to a successful conclusion and deadlines are met.
• Ability to demonstrate the use of developing, and the recording of, rational and persuasive arguments.
• Ability to demonstrate effective time management in order to meet the needs of a range of customers including the public as well as any conflicting demands.

As this post meets the requirements of the Immigration Act 2016 (part
7), the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

• Effective knowledge and understanding of report writing and presentations.
• Effective knowledge and understanding of how to undertake investigations, record facts and reach appropriate outcomes and recommendations.

• Experience of analysing and manipulating data and other reporting methods to produce required reports.
• Experience of working in a customer facing and focused role.
• Previous experience of working in a multi‑agency environment.
• To be qualified to A level or equivalent.
• Driving Licence and immediate access to a car to attend site visits as not all sites are accessible by public transport.