Job Description

Salary

Grade7 27,963 - 29,833 per annum

Contractual hours

37

Basis

Full time

Region

South

Job category/type

Planning

Date posted

05/08/2025

Job reference

002172

About the Role:

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our busy Development Management Enforcement Team as a Planning Investigation Officer.



In this varied and sometimes challenging role, you will support the Enforcement Team in investigating alleged breaches of planning control. Your responsibilities will include maintaining accurate records, preparing and uploading evidence, retrieving data, conducting site visits and surveys, and carrying out general clerical duties to support the Council's planning enforcement function.



You should have a keen eye for detail and a good level of IT proficiency. While a background or demonstrated interest in planning or investigative work would be advantageous, it is not essential.



We are looking for someone who is determined, a strong communicator, self-motivated, and capable of managing a diverse workload. You will need to demonstrate good time management, assertiveness, and the ability to meet deadlines.



This is a customer-focused role, and the ability to communicate clearly and confidently with members of the public--adapting your communication style to suit different audiences--is essential. You must be able to provide accurate advice in spoken English.



Maidstone Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.



This is a permanent full-time position of 37 hours per week.

About Maidstone Borough Council:

Maidstone Borough Council is a confident and forward-thinking organisation, committed to delivering high-quality services to our residents and local businesses. We are ambitious in our goals to make the borough an attractive place to live, work, and invest, while supporting a thriving local economy.



We continue to build on our strengths--our assets, knowledge, expertise, and a strong track record of innovation and improvement--to ensure a financially sustainable future that supports our long-term vision.



Our success depends on the talent, dedication, and hard work of our people. We invite you to be part of our journey. In return, we offer support, training, and fair rewards, along with opportunities to develop your skills and contribute to a positive, forward-looking working environment. Your ideas for improvement will be valued, and we are committed to managing change effectively as we embrace new ways of working.



At Maidstone Borough Council, we recognise the importance of flexible working and the benefits it brings to both our staff and the organisation. By offering a range of flexible working options, we aim to enhance wellbeing, engagement, and productivity. Our highly flexible hybrid working model, alongside flexi-time and other flexible working policies, empowers staff to shape their working patterns and achieve a better work-life balance.

Our Offer:

A range of benefits including:
Highly flexible hybrid working opportunities 7am to 7pm flexi time to suit personal circumstances for most roles Generous holiday entitlement which increases after 5 years LG service plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave. Additional 3 days leave given to enable a close down of the offices between Christmas and New year. Free parking Range of flexible working opportunities to accommodate people's home/work life balance including compressed hours, 9-day fortnight, part time. Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family. Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS) Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand-new car. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax. Annual flu vaccine Cycle to work scheme Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals A professional fee payment, if required for the role

About You:

A degree-level qualification is desirable but not essential. However, a good understanding of Town Planning would be advantageous.



You should have experience working in Local Government, Town Planning, or a similar investigative environment, along with general office and IT skills. You will be confident in collecting and presenting evidence, advising and negotiating, and will have a sound understanding of Government and Local Authority performance targets and the importance of meeting them.



Strong customer service skills are essential, with the ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and efficiently. You must also hold a valid driving licence and have the physical ability to travel and attend sites throughout the borough to conduct inspections.

Selection Process:

Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Those that are successful in securing an interview can expect job specific interview assessment, followed by an interview.



Maidstone Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.



If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Sue King, Planning Enforcement Team Leader on 01622 602809.



& Person Specification

Interview Date: w/c 01 September 2025