About Kevin Perry

Kevin Perry is a highly experienced Senior Planning Enforcement Officer with nearly 30 years in local government, supported by a 16-year career with Dorset Police. He brings extensive expertise in planning enforcement, including assessing breaches of planning control, advising councillors, managing complex cases, and giving evidence at court and inquiry level. Known for his calm, practical approach, Kevin has mastered strong communication and leadership, shaped by decades of frontline experience dealing with sensitive and high-pressure situations.

With nearly three decades in planning enforcement, Kevin Perry has seen the industry change beyond recognition. From local government reorganisation to complex enforcement cases spanning more than a decade, his career has been shaped by persistence, fairness, and a people-first approach. We sat down with Kevin to talk about his journey, his work with Stonehouse Recruitment Group, and his advice for the next generation of planners.

Working with Stonehouse Recruitment Group

Kevin’s relationship with Stonehouse Recruitment Group began around five years ago, following a recommendation from a fellow contractor. After initially retiring, Kevin quickly realised that retirement didn’t quite suit him.

“I was crawling up the walls after about six months,” he admits. “Someone suggested I give contracting a go, so I sent my CV to Sohan at Stonehouse. Literally within days, he’d got me my first contract.”

That first role began in March 2020, just as COVID hit, and marked the start of a long-standing relationship.

“I’ve always really enjoyed working with Stonehouse. I speak to Sohan, Jake, and the team regularly. Things moved very quickly, and I was genuinely impressed by how efficient and supportive they were. It’s been a great relationship ever since.”

Local Government Reorganisation in Dorset

Dorset Council was formed in April 2020 following the amalgamation of five former district councils. For Kevin, the biggest benefit of this reorganisation has been consistency.

“Previously, each district had its own policies and approaches. Now there’s one planning authority covering the whole county, which simplifies what is already a very complicated system.”

He also points to reduced costs through fewer councillors and committees, though the transition wasn’t without challenges.

“The biggest difficulty was IT. Five councils meant five different systems, and it took a few years to bring everything together. But now it works well, and overall I think it’s been a positive move for planning in Dorset.”

From Dorset Police to Planning Enforcement

Kevin joined Dorset Police in his early career, spending 16 years in the force before moving on.

“The job I joined had changed dramatically over time. Policing had become much more focused on social work, and I felt it was the right time to leave.”

After a brief spell running a pub and hotel with his brother-in-law, which unfortunately became unviable following the construction of a local bypass, Kevin joined West Dorset District Council as an Enforcement Officer.

“My policing background helped enormously. I can talk to anyone – there are no barriers. Whether it’s developers, travellers, or householders, communication is the most important skill in this job.”

His understanding of legislation also proved valuable, particularly where planning breaches cross into criminal offences, such as listed buildings, tree protection orders, or unauthorised advertisements.

Life as a Planning Enforcement Officer

No two days are ever the same in planning enforcement, and that’s exactly what Kevin enjoys most.

“The legislation is incredibly grey. What’s acceptable one day can change overnight due to a court decision or amendment to policy. You’re constantly learning.”

Kevin explains that every case begins with the same fundamental questions: Is it development? Is it permitted development? If not, can it be regularised?

“You approach a small fence dispute the same way you would someone building an extra storey without permission. It’s just second nature after a while.”

He finds particular satisfaction in helping householders navigate a system they often don’t understand.

“Most people haven’t got a clue how complex planning is. In many cases, you’re acting more as an advisor than an enforcement officer – and that’s incredibly rewarding.”

Managing Conflict on Site

Conflict is an unavoidable part of enforcement, but Kevin believes attitude is everything.

“If you go in heavy-handed, you’ll get a reaction. If you go in calmly, explain the process, and treat people fairly, nine times out of ten you’ll get cooperation.”

In nearly three decades on the job, Kevin has never been assaulted – something he puts down to experience, communication, and respect.

“People often calm down once they understand that sorting an issue now will save them serious problems when they come to sell their property later.”

Memorable Cases and Career Highlights

When asked about standout moments in his career, one case immediately comes to mind: a site in Dorset where over 20,000 drums of used cooking oil were illegally stored.

“What we thought would take a week and cost £10,000 ended up taking three and a half weeks and costing around £65,000. Every drum had to be emptied by hand.”

After years of non-compliance, the council took direct action, placed a charge on the land, and ultimately recovered the full cost through a court-ordered sale.

“That case ran for over 11 years, but recovering the taxpayer’s money made it incredibly satisfying.”

Challenges Facing the Planning Industry

For Kevin, the biggest threat facing planning today is funding.

“Most councils are under severe financial pressure. Enforcement doesn’t have its own budget, it comes from general planning funds, and that makes large-scale action difficult to justify.”

He also highlights increasing complexity in planning legislation and rising public expectations, all while caseloads continue to grow.

“I’ve never had fewer than 100 cases at once. At one point, I was managing over 400.”

Advice for Those Starting Out in Planning

After nearly 30 years in the profession, Kevin is honest about the challenge but also the reward.

“You’ve got a hard job ahead of you, but it’s a worthwhile one. Planning officers today are under huge pressure, far more than when I started.”

His advice is simple:

“For the first few weeks – keep your mouth shut, keep your eyes and ears open, and learn everything you can. Experience is everything in planning.”