Lawyer (Planning and Regulatory)

£46,579 to £49,817

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Lawyer (Planning and Regulatory) to join our busy Legal Services Department, which is LEXCEL accredited.

You will need a recognised legal qualification (e.g. a fully Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or ILEX qualified Legal Executive or someone who can demonstrate a level of experience and skill fitting them for the post) and be highly competent at dealing with a wide and varied range of planning matters.  You will deal with a mixed caseload and must be proactive, and solution focussed driven to achieve successful outcomes for the Council.

Your duties will involve:

• Working closely with the Assistant Director and other colleagues in Planning and Planning Enforcement to provide advice, assistance and advocacy where appropriate
• Preparation and drafting of section 106 Agreements
• Attending Planning Committee as the Council’s Legal Advisor
• Considering the Council’s position and advising on Planning Appeals
• Research on planning issues and providing clear and understandable advice on ad hoc planning and regulatory matters
• Assisting with policy and procedures and training in relation to planning matters

Candidates with private sector experience must have a solid understanding of how local authorities operate and demonstrate their ability to transfer knowledge and skills to successfully deliver a service within a local government context.

You will be a strong team player, able to play an effective influencing role in project teams, with enthusiasm for delivering projects. The successful candidate will have excellent communication, drafting skills and the ability to provide legal advice to a variety of audiences including senior officers

As an employer we like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of employee benefits including flexi time, hybrid working, a minimum of 30 days’ annual leave (plus Bank Holidays), family friendly policies, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, Local Government Pension Scheme, AVC’s, life assurance scheme, payment of professional fees, discounted parking, bus and rail fares, a cycle to work scheme and access to a healthcare insurance scheme.

International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship.

Closing date: 15 November 2026