Planning Officer – Wealden District Council, Hailsham, Eastbourne
Location Hailsham/Hybrid
Contract Type Full Time
Contractual Basis Permanent
Hours per week 37
Car User Type Essential
Salary From £44,072.40 Salary To £46,035.96
Closing date: 22 October 2026
Job Summary
Please note this vacancy may close early due to high volumes of applications.
Are you an experienced planner that wants to ensure that development is carried out in a compliant manner as well as protecting our environment and communities from unauthorised works? Then this role is for you!
Who are we looking for?
The Planning Enforcement Team is dedicated to ensuring our communities have a good quality of life and that our built and natural environments are protected by taking robust but proportionate action in relation to breaches of planning control.
This role would consider a variety of breaches of planning in the district, so we’re looking for someone who has experience in investigating such matters and is able to conclude them effectively and efficiently.
What will the role involve?
- Investigating breaches of planning control, in a variety of urban and rural settings.
- Preparing reports to make recommendations on appropriate enforcement proceedings, presenting those schemes to planning committee where required
- Providing advice and conducting negotiations with contraveners to achieve the best possible outcomes and deliver 5-star customer service.
- Liaising with various stakeholders, including residents, officers from other service sections, elected members, and external bodies ensuring they are appropriately updated on the progress and outcome of investigation.
- Providing informal support and mentoring for junior officers.
What skills, knowledge and abilities do you require for the role?
- Experience in planning and the application of expert knowledge within a enforcement and development management context.
- Customer service skills, being particularly adept at speaking with those who have conflicting demands and priorities.
- Knowledge of relevant law, policy and guidance related to planning and related matters.
- Communication and negotiation skills, being able to discuss breaches in a clear, constructive, and professional manner to achieve robust and proportionate outcomes.
- Experience of defending actions taken by the Council at appeal or via legal proceedings.
Apply to: www.wealden.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/vacancies-listing/
For more information about this position, please contact People Matter Working for You team. We will register you as a client, review your CV and provide a career action plan for this and future applications. We can also help you develop and practice interview skills. Our services are free. Please email: moira@people-matter.org.uk or call 07914 425733.