Planning Lawyer

3 - 6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To provide high-quality legal advice and support on a broad range of planning and highways matters, ensuring that the Council's statutory functions and strategic objectives are delivered effectively and in compliance with relevant legislation. The role will manage a varied caseload, including complex planning agreements and legal documentation, while providing practical and solution-focused legal advice to officers, members, and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate, and complete Section 106 Agreements relating to planning applications and development proposals.
  
• Prepare and advise on Highways Agreements under Sections 38 and 278 of the Highways Act.
  
• Provide legal advice on planning law, highways law, development management, and related local government matters.
  
• Undertake complex drafting work and provide clear, practical legal solutions to support service objectives.
  
• Advise on strategic and policy matters relating to planning and development.
  
• Support planning officers, senior management, and elected members by providing timely and accurate legal advice.
  
• Review planning applications and associated legal issues, identifying risks and recommending appropriate courses of action.
  
• Draft and advise on Certificates of Lawful Use and Development where required.
  
• Attend meetings, negotiations, and Planning Committee meetings as required, providing legal advice and support.
  
• Manage a varied caseload independently, ensuring matters are progressed efficiently and within agreed timescales.
  
• Maintain accurate case records, time recording, and documentation using the Council's case management systems.
  
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Legal Services, Planning, Highways, and other departments to support service delivery.
  

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate where applicable.
  
• Minimum 5 years' post-qualification experience (PQE) in planning law.
  
• Significant experience drafting and negotiating Section 106 Agreements.
  
• Experience preparing Highways Agreements under Sections 38 and 278 of the Highways Act, or willingness and ability to develop expertise in this area.
  
• Strong drafting skills with experience handling complex legal documentation and negotiations.
  
• Ability to provide advice on planning policy, strategic planning matters, and development proposals.
  
• Ability to analyse legal issues and make sound decisions with minimal supervision.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to provide clear and concise legal advice.
  
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and legal case management systems.
  
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
  
• Experience attending and advising at Planning Committee meetings.
  
• Knowledge of Planning Enforcement procedures and legislation.
  
• Experience analysing applications for and drafting Certificates of Lawful Use and Development.
  
• Knowledge of wider local government legal practice, including licensing, regulatory law, constitutional law, administrative law, or criminal litigation.
  
• Previous experience working within a local authority legal team.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Flexible/Remote Working
  
• Hours: Up to 5 days per week (full-time preferred, reduced hours considered)
  
• Contract Length: 3–6 months
  
• Payment: Bi-weekly payments