Principal Enforcement Planning Officer

The salary for this role is £56,528 per annum, which includes a time limited recruitment allowance of £7,246 per annum.

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

If you want planning work that genuinely shapes communities and places, Somerset has something for you.

Role Purpose

Lead the planning enforcement function for Development Management, overseeing complex cases and ensuring planning rules are upheld across Somerset.

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.

What We’re Looking For – Essential Skills/Experience

Senior‑level enforcement experience, strong leadership skills and the confidence to make high‑impact decisions within a legal framework.

Any Additional Information

• The salary for this role is £56,528 per annum, which includes a time limited recruitment allowance of £7,246 per annum.
• 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.
• CPD opportunities to shadow investigations through processes and peer support
• Permanent role, 37 hours a week.
• Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.  

A supplement allowance of £7,246 per annum is linked to the Principal Enforcement Planning Officer bringing the salary to £56,528 per annum. This allowance is subject to National Insurance, Tax and Pension deductions and will be paid in accordance with standard payroll procedures.

The allowance is time-limited and will expire on 28/02/2027. All supplement allowances are reviewed 18 months from the original approval date and may be adjusted or withdrawn based on organisational need, role changes, or market conditions. 

Please note:

• If the role is re-evaluated or the salary changes as a result of the Pay and Grading Review, the allowance may be reduced or cease entirely.

If the salary changes due to the NJC Pay Award, the supplement allowance will be adjusted accordingly to maintain the intended pay differential.  

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Nikki Honon, Team Leader at nikki.honan@somerset.gov.uk or Zac Elwood, Area Manager – Development Management at zac.ellwood@somerset.gov.uk

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.