Senior Compliance Officer – Planning

Temporary Contract

Job Details

Client: Elmbridge Borough Council

Service Area: Development Management

Hours: 36 hours per week

Start Date: 18 May 2026

Duration: 12 weeks

Working Pattern:3 days remote, 2 days in the office

Location

Office Base:

Civic Centre

High Street

Esher

Surrey

KT10 9SD

Pay

PAYE Rate:£35.00 per hour

Job Overview

Elmbridge Borough Council is seeking an experienced Senior Compliance Officer to join the Development Management team.

This role focuses on investigating and resolving alleged breaches of planning control, including complex enforcement cases, site investigations, evidence gathering and appeal work. You will work closely with applicants, developers, residents, Members, Legal Services and colleagues across Planning Services to ensure development is carried out in accordance with approved plans and planning conditions.

This is a specialist planning enforcement role requiring strong investigation skills, confidence handling complex cases and the ability to manage a busy caseload with minimal supervision.

Important – Please Read Carefully

This role requires direct local authority planning enforcement experience.

You must have experience investigating complex breaches of planning control, preparing enforcement casework, and handling planning compliance matters confidently.

Candidates without relevant planning enforcement casework experience are unlikely to be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate and resolve alleged breaches of planning control
• Manage complex and high-profile compliance and enforcement cases
• Research site histories and assess plans and supporting documents
• Visit sites, survey developments and record evidence of breaches
• Interview owners, occupiers and members of the public where required
• Negotiate compliance and appropriate planning outcomes
• Liaise with Legal Services and other council teams as needed
• Prepare reports recommending appropriate enforcement action
• Serve notices, prepare statements and collate evidence for proceedings
• Prepare and present evidence for written representations, hearings, inquiries and court cases
• Respond to enquiries from Members, residents and other stakeholders
• Support proactive enforcement projects and public liaison work

Essential Experience & Skills

• Significant experience of planning enforcement and related procedures
• Experience investigating breaches of planning control
• Experience interviewing members of the public and taking statements
• Experience carrying out site investigations, measurements and documentary research
• Ability to read and interpret technical plans and drawings
• Good knowledge of relevant planning legislation and guidance, including PACE and RIPA
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Good record keeping and case management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage deadlines with minimal supervision
• Strong negotiation skills
• Full driving licence

Desirable

• Degree in Planning or relevant professional qualification
• RTPI membership and/or Enforcement Network membership
• Access to a vehicle for site visits throughout the borough

Additional Information

This role may require site visits and investigations outside normal office hours, including occasional weekends, as well as attendance at hearings, inquiries, committees and court.

Interviews will be held online via Teams and will last up to 30 minutes.

Job Reference:OR99756