Senior Planning Lawyer

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To provide specialist legal advice and support on a broad range of planning law matters, ensuring the Authority's interests are protected and legal services are delivered efficiently and effectively. The postholder will manage complex planning matters with minimal supervision, advising officers, members, and stakeholders on planning obligations, development proposals, enforcement issues, and related legal matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on planning law and associated local government matters.
  


• Draft, negotiate, and complete Section 106 Agreements, Deeds of Variation, and other planning-related legal documents.
  


• Advise on planning applications, planning obligations, development proposals, and statutory planning processes.
  


• Provide legal support on complex and high-profile planning matters, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and policy.
  


• Advise on planning enforcement matters and assist with enforcement action where required.
  


• Represent and support the Authority in meetings, negotiations, hearings, inquiries, and committee proceedings as appropriate.
  


• Work closely with planning officers, senior management, elected members, developers, and external legal representatives.
  


• Manage a varied caseload of planning law matters independently and prioritise competing deadlines effectively.
  


• Identify and manage legal risks, providing practical and solution-focused advice.
  


• Maintain accurate records and case management documentation.
  


• Keep abreast of developments in planning law, case law, and relevant legislation to ensure advice remains current and robust.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with significant post-qualification experience in planning law.
  


• Extensive experience drafting and negotiating Section 106 Agreements and Deeds of Variation.
  


• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and procedure.
  


• Experience providing planning law advice on complex and sensitive matters.
  


• Ability to manage a substantial caseload independently with minimal supervision.
  


• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
  


• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  


• Ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  

Desirable

• Experience of planning enforcement matters.
  


• Experience working within a local authority or public sector legal environment.
  


• Experience supporting Planning Committees and elected members.
  


• Advocacy experience at hearings, inquiries, or related proceedings.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Remote working available, with occasional attendance at the office and Planning Committee meetings as required.
  


• Hours per Week: Full-time hours.
  


• Pay: Bi-weekly payments.