Job Description

Sector: Planning (Development Management)
Hastings Borough Council
Enforcement Officer (Planning Services)
Grade: 9 SCP 6 to 12
Salary: 25,183 to 27,711 per annum (pro rata)
Contract: Temporary - 6 months fixed term contract
Hours: 37 hours per week
Our Offer
This role comes with:

• Annual Leave starting at 27 days per year (pro rata)
• Hybrid working
• Opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

The Role
We have an exciting opportunity to join our Planning Services Team. You will be focussing mainly on less complex enforcement cases with an aim to resolving and closing those cases. With excellent communication skills you'll be the first point of contact with the Council, reflecting our high standards for protecting the environment and conserving the historic character of the Borough.
You will not need to have direct planning enforcement experience, but we'd love to hear from you if you feel you have the skills and experience to carry out site investigations, review policies and procedures and project manage your work in an efficient way to completion. Core to this role will be a passion for making the town the best it can be.
Full details of the role can be found in the attached job description. We are keen to support your training and personal development and which includes flexible working and home working.
Who are we?
With world class coast, countryside, a thriving artist quarter in the Old Town, outstanding architecture, a variety of unique boutiques, cafes, restaurants and pubs, not to mention 1,000 years of history, Hastings is a popular place to live and visit. Competitive house prices, good schools, beautiful parks, an attractive environment, an outstanding community spirit and a determination to continue to evolve makes a move to Hastings a very positive investment into your future.
The Grotbusters scheme in Hastings is a council initiative that targets run-down or derelict buildings and land to improve the appearance of the town. It utilizes Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to encourage landowners to tidy up their properties. Since its launch in 2000, the scheme has seen over 880 properties improved.
Who are you?
What we are looking for is someone with a passion for the built environment, what your town looks like and how it benefits the community. You will be someone who wants to become involved in the shaping of our town in a sustainable way, protecting the natural environment and quality of life for residents.
You will be able to visit sites using your own means of transport, to assess alleged breaches of planning control, focussing on Grotbuster associated work. You will be able to clearly communicate your on-site assessments and conclusions both verbally and through accurate and concise letters. You will be comfortable in dealing with customers face to face and via correspondence. You'll have the ability to work under your own initiative making recommendations, with the support of your line manager, regarding your enforcement cases. You will be able to project manage your work to meet Council targets. You will be able to work in difficult, pressured and potentially confrontational situations and remain calm.
You'll have excellent communication and customer-care skills, the ability to work flexibly, as part of a busy and high performing team.
If you have any questions you can call Eleanor Evans on (01424) 783251 or email (eevans@hastings.gov.uk). We have a welcoming and friendly team so if you think this role could be for you we would love to hear from you.
Closing Date for applications : 21st July 2025 @ 12:00pm