Planning Enforcement Team Leader

Dartford is one of the fastest growing districts in the country.  We are now planning to 2037 and our focus is on Dartford Town Centre; securing large mixed use residential-led redevelopment in and around the town as well as public realm and transport-related improvements.  Complementing the growth in the urban area, the Council is keen to protect the significant area of Green Belt in the Borough and the areas of value within it: including ancient woodland, river valleys, areas of ecological value, marshland, and agricultural land.  With significant pressure for development in the Borough, and as a place where commercial operators seek to locate, Planning Enforcement in Dartford can be very varied.

This role would require you to lead a small but experienced planning enforcement team with a dedicated administration officer.  Working within a wider Planning Services team and a sociable Development Management section, you will have the opportunity to gain management experience, make this role your own, raise the profile of planning enforcement within the Council, and ensure that unplanned development does not undermine the objectives of the Local Plan or the quality of the environment in this area of rapid change. Reporting directly to the Development Manager, this role is ideally suited to an ambitious experienced planning enforcement officer who is looking to progress in their career and take on line management responsibilities. 

We are looking for a planning enforcement officer who has a number of years of experience dealing with a wide range of planning enforcement matters, who is confident at dealing with challenging people and situations and is passionate about protecting the built and natural environment.  You should be able to provide planning enforcement advice to the enforcement team and lead them in the management of caseloads.

You will join a friendly team of hard-working planning enforcement officers, currently supported by a highly experienced planning enforcement solicitor.  You will be expected to tackle the most complex planning enforcement cases with a case-load of your own, liaising with other agencies, both internal and external and representing the Council at appeal where necessary.   We are looking for someone who thrives on getting the right outcome and is not afraid to step outside of their comfort zone.   

This is a high profile role, which generates a lot of interest from Councillors and residents.  You will need to be diplomatic but firm, exercise strong judgement and have good people skills.   You will also have a knack for investigation, be well-organised and determined to see things through to a conclusion.  In managing the Planning Enforcement Team, you will need to motivate and support your team to achieve positive outcomes. 

If you want to be part of a Planning Services team that considers the “big picture” but delivers on detail we are keen to hear from you.

A driving licence and use of a car is essential. You should have experience in dealing with and resolving a wide range of complex planning enforcement cases

If you would like to speak to someone about this post please contact: Emma Eisinger, Development Manager, tel. no: 01322 343600.