The Role

• Are you seeking an opportunity where you be part of a sociable and supportive team?
• Are you looking for working arrangements that enhance your work-life balance?
• Do you hold a planning qualification?

If you answered yes, we want to hear from you!

The Role
We have exciting opportunities for qualified Planning Enforcement Officers to work in an innovative Planning Enforcement Team operating over both Wandsworth and Richmond boroughs. The posts currently available are based in the Richmond section of the team will involve working on exciting and varied investigations.

You will take personal responsibility for investigating breaches of planning control, conducting site visits, gathering evidence and information and carrying out detailed planning assessments of developments. Where required, your investigations may lead to taking formal enforcement action to resolve harmful breaches planning and supported by our expert legal team, you will serve enforcement notices, prosecute offenders in court, initiate injunction proceedings and oversee carrying out works in default to secure compliance.

You will need excellent communication skills and be able to effectively negotiate resolutions that reflect the Council's wider objectives and policies of promoting high quality and innovative development while conserving the historic character of both Boroughs.

Who are we
Richmond is arguably London's most attractive borough with the River Thames running for over 10 miles through the borough, linking Hampton Court Palace, Richmond and Twickenham Town Centres and Kew Gardens with London. Richmond boasts Royal Parks and open spaces, historic houses, vibrant town centres bursting with life, as well as being the home of English rugby. With major developments on the horizon, there are exciting opportunities to broaden your experience in such a unique environment.

Wandsworth is a thriving Inner London Borough on the southern banks of the River Thames that is steeped in a diverse history. The borough features landmarks such as the iconic Battersea Power Station, Ram Brewery and Clapham Junction Station, and is acknowledged for its famous green spaces such as Wandsworth and Clapham Commons, Putney Heath and the Grade II* listed Battersea Park. The borough is also comprised of a rich mix of vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods including Battersea, Tooting, Putney and Balham.

The planning team has a reputation for working proactively with developers and the local community to bring forward innovative, high-quality developments, including in the Nine Elms Battersea Opportunity Area, Wandsworth Town, Battersea Riverside and the Le Corbusier inspired Alton Estate.

The London Boroughs of Wandsworth and Richmond upon Thames present a unique opportunity to be part of a sociable and supportive team who are working together to create an effective shared staffing arrangement across both boroughs.

Who are you

• The ideal person for one of these roles will hold a planning qualification and be able to demonstrate knowledge of planning enforcement and/or Development Management, although direct experience is not essential, it would be desirable.
• You'll have the ability to read and assess plans, write accurate and concise reports, as well as meet tight deadlines.
• You'll have good knowledge of planning legislation and policy at local, regional, and national levels.
• You'll have excellent communication and customer care skills, the ability to work flexibly, as part of a busy and high performing team, while we will provide you with opportunities to undertake relevant training to help you develop in your role and further progress your career.

How to apply
Please register, submit your CV and a supporting statement addressing how you meet the requirements of this role. If you are having difficulty in applying online, please contact the Recruitment Team on 0208 871 8825 to see if we can offer alternative arrangements for you to apply.

Why choose us
In return, we can offer you working arrangements that will enhance your work-life balance. These include flexible and home working (dependent on service need), part-time working and a generous holiday allowance of 31 days plus bank holidays.

In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities is also offered.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline
Closing Date:  8th March 2020
Shortlisting Date: Week commencing 9th March 2020
Interview Date: Week commencing 23rd March 2020

Useful Information:
Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change. The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils