Purpose

Report to seek extension to a temporary post and an additional post in the planning enforcement team alongside additional budget for external legal advice.

Decision

RESOLVED:

1. 3 That Cabinet approves:

a) A temporary (6 months) Enforcement Officer post to be funded from General Reserves at a cost of £65,000;

b) The creation of one additional permanent Senior Planning Officer post within the Planning Enforcement Team, at an estimated cost of £40,000 (inclusive of on costs) for the remainder of 2026/27 to be funded from General Reserves and added to the base staffing budget from 2027/28 at an estimated full-year cost of £65,500 (inclusive of on-costs);

c) The release of £100,000 from General Reserves to cover the cost of external legal fees incurred during 2026/27 associated with planning enforcement work.