Principal Enforcement Planning Officer
CompanySomerset Council
Location
Taunton, England, United Kingdom
Employment TypeInternship
Posted At4/30/2026
UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics
Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled
Sponsorship Salary Threshold
£41,700
(£21.38 per hour)
Standard minimum applies
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Description
Salary: £56,528 per annum, which includes a time limited recruitment allowance of £7,246 per annum until 28/02/2027.
Shape the future of Somerset
Join Somerset Council – one of the largest unitary authorities in the country – and work on some of the most varied and high‑profile planning projects in the UK. From major regeneration and nationally significant infrastructure to town centres, rural development and housing growth, you’ll help shape places that matter.
Following local government reorganisation, we’re a single, ambitious council serving nearly 600,000 residents. Our scale and stability offer excellent career development across Development Management, Enforcement, Planning Policy, and Minerals & Waste – including work linked to Hinkley Point C and the Somerset-wide Local Plan.
You’ll join a collaborative, forward‑thinking planning service with embedded flexibility, strong professional support and real opportunities to grow.
What We Offer
Role Summary
You will be leading the planning enforcement function for Development Management, overseeing complex cases and ensuring planning rules are upheld across Somerset.
What You'll Do - Key Responsibilities
Shape the future of Somerset
Join Somerset Council – one of the largest unitary authorities in the country – and work on some of the most varied and high‑profile planning projects in the UK. From major regeneration and nationally significant infrastructure to town centres, rural development and housing growth, you’ll help shape places that matter.
Following local government reorganisation, we’re a single, ambitious council serving nearly 600,000 residents. Our scale and stability offer excellent career development across Development Management, Enforcement, Planning Policy, and Minerals & Waste – including work linked to Hinkley Point C and the Somerset-wide Local Plan.
You’ll join a collaborative, forward‑thinking planning service with embedded flexibility, strong professional support and real opportunities to grow.
What We Offer
- High‑profile, complex and varied planning enforcement work
- Clear career development and progression
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Supportive management and a strong learning culture
- Generous leave, pension and wellbeing benefits
Role Summary
You will be leading the planning enforcement function for Development Management, overseeing complex cases and ensuring planning rules are upheld across Somerset.
What You'll Do - Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee complex planning enforcement investigations.
- Provide expert enforcement advice and sign‑off legal action.
- Manage and support enforcement officers.
- Represent the Council at inquiries, hearings and legal proceedings.
- Work with stakeholders to resolve high‑risk planning breaches.
Essential
What We’re Looking For – Knowledge, Experience and skills.
What We’re Looking For – Knowledge, Experience and skills.
- In-depth understanding of planning legislation and enforcement procedures
- Knowledge of local government planning policies and frameworks
- Familiarity with the Development Management process
- Understanding of legal processes related to planning enforcement
- Understanding of the Proceeds of Crime Act
- Extensive senior-level experience in planning enforcement or a related field
- Proven track record of managing complex planning enforcement cases
- Experience of supervising and managing a team
- Experience preparing and presenting reports at public inquiries and hearings
- Experience appearing as an expert witness
- Experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders
- Experience conducting site visits and inspections
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation and policies
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and lead a team
- Awareness of environmental and sustainability issues related to planning
- Knowledge of data protection and confidentiality requirements
- Proficiency in using planning and enforcement software
- You will be leading a Somerset wide Planning Enforcement team which operate over the four geographic areas of Somerset and providing oversight on appeal performance.
- Due to the need to undertake site visits, you will need to be in the office 1-2 days per week, with the option for home working the rest of the time.
- 33 days annual leave, not including Bank Holidays.
- As a developing service, you would be in a position to inform and develop process improvements.
If you have everything you need, just hit the apply button. We can’t wait to hear from you.
A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.