Please note that we do not accept CVs. We only accept online applications. Our applications can take up to 2hrs to complete but we have prepared some guidelines to help you with the application as it’s such an important part of the process.

https://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/blogs/2022/how-ace-local-authority-application-form

To apply use the "Apply Online" button below, which will take you to our Applicant Tracking System ('ATS') where, once you have applied, you can log on to your online account at any time to view the status of any of your applications. By using ATS, you can track the progress of your application(s), receive communications by email, select your own interview time online and see whether you have been made a conditional offer.

Senior Planning Compliance Officer

Planning Compliance (Enforcement) - Development Management, Planning and Environmental Health

Salary: £46,868 - £56,105 pa (Scale 36-45)

Closing date: Monday 15 September 2025 (9am)

Interview date: Thursday 25 September 2025

What makes planning at Elmbridge different?

Elmbridge Borough Council is a progressive organisation. We pride ourselves on listening to our customers and providing high quality services, as cost effectively as possible. Due to increasing planning application fees, Elmbridge has recently created additional posts and we are looking for a Senior Planning Compliance Officer to join us in our Compliance and Trees team.

The Role

As a Senior Compliance Officer, you will help us investigate and resolve alleged breaches of planning control. Sometimes these could be quite complex cases which will draw on your experience and knowledge of Planning legislation and dealing with sensitive and difficult situations. Don’t worry if some of these may be new to you, our Team Leader is here to support you too.

You will also:

work well as part of team but also on your own
support your colleagues with their workload and priorities
have experience carrying out investigations and gathering evidence
have experience writing appeal statements, preparing for Hearings and Inquiries
and have a good eye for detail

Working with the support of the wider management team, you will be enthusiastic, motivated and have excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate with a wide variety of customers of the service, as well as being politically astute.

You will see the other essential criteria in the person specification, but it’s your approach to work that will be your main asset.

Whether you are a planning manager or a development management officer looking for a change, we would encourage you to apply. You will understand that you have an important role to play in helping us to shape Elmbridge. You will be supporting our residents and helping them to understand the role good planning makes in shaping an area.

Location

Elmbridge is located within Surrey, approximately 17 miles south-west of Central London. The River Thames is the borough’s northern boundary and we share borders with the London boroughs of Richmond and Kingston upon Thames and Guildford, Mole Valley, Runnymede, Spelthorne and Woking. Elmbridge is fortunate to have a wide network of open space including 800 ha of green and blue infrastructure owned and managed by the Council. We also have the historic landscaped gardens at Painshill Park and Claremont.

The Compliance and Trees Team is part of our Development Management service. We believe sustainable development can only be delivered alongside a robust planning compliance regime and ensuring the retention and enhancement of our trees and biodiversity.

Elmbridge is one of the busiest local planning authorities in the country and sets very high standards for the delivery of planning decisions within government targets. With land values that rival London and a population of 135,000, we will provide you with an interesting and challenging step in your career.

About us

We know we ask a lot, but the good news is that we give a lot too.

Learning and development:
We will support you on that journey by creating a bespoke learning and development plan for you.
You will meet people in the team who have completed Masters, been promoted within the team and have taken on other professional qualifications.
Flexibility:
We know hybrid working is here to stay and we will discuss the right mix of home and office for you.
Wellbeing:
When you thrive Elmbridge thrives, which is why we have developed a strong and varied wellbeing programme for our employees.
The package:
Not forgetting our excellent pension and ‘Thrive’ package of employee benefits and discounts with various local businesses, there is also free employee parking.
We offer a generous pension scheme and excellent benefits such as your birthday off and the option to buy additional holiday days, plus we are closed between Christmas and New Year – no annual leave required.

What else?

We encourage you to read more on us and if you have any queries please give us a call.

Here are some reading options to help you with your decision making:

Our LinkedIn page

If you would like to talk to us about the role, please give Antoinette our Team Leader a call on 01372 474826.

What are you waiting for?

Elmbridge Borough Council

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