Planning Enforcement Officer

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week, Monday to Friday)
Grade 8 – £52,916 - £58,529 pa
Petersfield / Hybrid remote working

Help Shape the Future of Local Authority Planning Enforcement 

Are you a motivated town planning professional looking for a varied and rewarding role where you can make an immediate impact?

East Hampshire District Council is seeking a Planning Enforcement Manager to lead our dedicated enforcement service within a thriving district that encompasses beautiful countryside, rural villages, and a significant area of the South Downs National Park. 

This is an opportunity to play a key role in protecting the character, environment and heritage of our district. You will lead a skilled enforcement team, ensuring planning legislation is applied fairly, proportionately and effectively while delivering excellent outcomes for our communities.

About the Role

As Planning Enforcement Manager, you will be responsible for managing and developing the Council's planning enforcement function, ensuring that alleged breaches of planning control are investigated and resolved in accordance with legislation, policy and best practice.

Working closely with elected Members, senior officers, legal services, the South Downs National Park Authority, residents and businesses, you will provide expert advice on complex and sensitive enforcement matters and represent the Council at appeals, hearings and court proceedings where necessary.

This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. From protecting nationally important landscapes and heritage assets to tackling significant unauthorised development, you will help shape the future of the district.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and motivate the Planning Enforcement Team.
• Oversee a diverse caseload of enforcement investigations and appeals.
• Develop and implement enforcement strategies, policies and procedures.
• Ensure enforcement cases are progressed effectively and in accordance with statutory requirements and performance targets.
• Provide specialist advice to councillors, senior management and other services.
• Work collaboratively with the South Downs National Park Authority and other partner agencies.
• Manage enforcement budgets and contribute to service planning and improvement.
• Prepare reports for committees and senior leadership when required.
• Represent the Council at inquiries, hearings, tribunals and court proceedings.
• Be responsible for a small number of complex cases.

About You

We are looking for an experienced planning professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for delivering high-quality public services.

You will have:

Essential Requirements

• Significant experience in planning enforcement within a local authority setting.
• Detailed knowledge of planning legislation, enforcement powers and appeal processes.
• Experience of managing complex and high-profile enforcement cases.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent report writing and presentation abilities.
• Experience of working with elected Members, legal advisors and external stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• A degree-level qualification in planning or a related discipline.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel across the district.

Desirable

• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent professional body.
• Experience of working within protected landscapes or National Parks.
• Knowledge of heritage, listed building and environmental enforcement matters.
• Management qualification or equivalent leadership experience.

In return for your valued contribution, we can offer you a competitive benefits package which includes training and development opportunities, generous annual leave and flexi time, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and more.

You can find out more about the council, our values and the full range of benefits and support we offer our staff at our website:

Benefits of working for us | East Hampshire District Council

Please refer to the role profile for full details and requirements for this role.

For further information, or an informal discussion, please contact Adam Harvey, Chief Planner: [email protected]

Closing date for applications is 9th October 2026, with interviews likely to be held week commencing 19th October 2026. 

East Hampshire District Council is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – we are proud of being a Disability Confident Committed employer and appoint on merit. The council is an inclusive employer and appoint on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans.Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff members to share this commitment.