Enforcement Officer

Company: Hart District Council
Apply for the Enforcement Officer
Location: Fleet
Job Description:

Permanent

Hart District Council is entering an exciting period of change and increasing development pressures. Located in North East Hampshire, Hart is a prosperous and rapidly growing district with high demand for new development. Positioned just beyond the London Green Belt and along the M3 corridor, the area benefits from a vibrant economy, excellent transport links, and a strong sense of community.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking and proactive council, where you will play a vital role in protecting the quality of the district by ensuring planning control is maintained and breaches are effectively addressed. Enforcement is key to maintaining confidence in the planning system and supporting sustainable growth across the district.

Hart is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK, offering beautiful countryside, excellent schools, and first-rate leisure opportunities.

Why consider Hart District Council?

  • Flexible working hours with up to 2 flexi days per month
  • Hybrid working policy – currently around 60 percent homeworking
  • Generous annual leave allowance
  • Support for CPD and professional subscriptions
  • Free staff parking
  • Confidential employee advice and support programme
  • Promotion of a healthy work life balance
  • A genuinely supportive and collaborative team environment

About the role

Working alongside the Planning Enforcement Team Leader, you will investigate and resolve breaches of planning control across the district. You will manage your own caseload, undertake site visits, research planning history, and take appropriate action to secure compliance.

This is a varied and often complex role involving both proactive investigations and reactive casework, including site inspections and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. You will be expected to negotiate effectively to resolve issues, while also progressing formal enforcement action where necessary.

Key aspects of the role include:

  • Investigating alleged breaches of planning control and carrying out site inspections
  • Managing enforcement cases and seeking resolution through negotiation or formal action
  • Preparing reports, notices and evidence for enforcement action, appeals and legal proceedings
  • Acting as a key point of contact for enforcement enquiries from the public and stakeholders
  • Working collaboratively with planning, conservation and other specialist officers
  • Maintaining accurate records and ensuring cases are progressed and closed effectively

What you will bring

We are seeking a motivated and customer-focused individual with a proactive approach to enforcement.

You will have:

  • Ideally relevant degree or substantial experience in planning enforcement or a related field
  • Ideally Understanding of the UK planning system and its purpose
  • Strong communication, negotiation and report-writing skills
  • Ability to manage a varied caseload and prioritise effectively
  • Confidence in dealing with challenging situations and stakeholders
  • A commitment to high-quality customer service and achieving positive outcomes
  • Experience in a local authority or compliance role, and knowledge of planning law and procedures, would be advantageous.
  • You will also be able to demonstrate a commitment to Hart’s values – being helpful, approachable, responsive, and taking ownership to ensure the best outcomes for residents and stakeholders.

How to apply

For more information, please apply via this advert, or contact Ben Styles at Hays

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Posted: July 10th, 2026