Planning Locum Solicitor

5 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To provide specialist planning law advice and legal support to the Council, with a primary focus on advising Planning Committee and supporting lawful planning decision-making.

The postholder will act as the Council's legal advisor at Planning Committee meetings, ensuring compliance with planning legislation, governance requirements and constitutional procedures. The role will provide expert advice on planning applications, committee procedures, planning conditions, reasons for refusal, Section 106 agreements and appeal risks, whilst supporting officers and elected members in making legally robust decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend and advise Planning Committee meetings as the Council's legal advisor.
  
• Provide specialist legal advice on planning law and development management matters.
  
• Advise Members on:
  • Planning procedures
    
  • Material planning considerations
    
  • Planning conditions
    
  • Reasons for refusal
    
  • Appeal risks
    
  • Costs implications
    
  • Decision-making processes
    
• Review Planning Committee reports and identify legal risks and issues.
  
• Liaise with planning officers prior to committee meetings to resolve legal concerns.
  
• Attend pre-committee briefings and member briefings where required.
  
• Provide legal advice on:
  • Town and Country Planning Act 1990
    
  • National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
    
  • Planning Appeals
    
  • Planning Enforcement
    
  • Judicial Reviews
    
  • Section 106 Agreements
    
  • Local Government Governance Requirements
    
• Draft, negotiate and advise on Section 106 Agreements and associated planning obligations.
  
• Support officers in ensuring planning decisions are legally compliant and defensible.
  
• Advise on constitutional requirements and committee procedure rules.
  
• Assist in managing legal risks associated with planning applications and committee decisions.
  
• Prepare legal advice, reports and briefing notes for officers and members.
  
• Keep up to date with legislative changes, case law and planning policy developments.
  
• Support the Council in defending appeals and responding to legal challenges where required.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a current practising certificate.
  
• Minimum 5 years' post-qualification experience in Planning Law.
  
• Significant experience advising on Local Government Planning matters.
  
• Extensive experience attending and advising Planning Committees in person.
  
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Town and Country Planning Act 1990
    
  • National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
    
  • Section 106 Agreements
    
  • Planning Appeals
    
  • Planning Committee Procedures
    
  • Local Government Governance
    
  • Committee Procedure Rules
    
• Experience advising elected members and senior officers.
  
• Ability to identify and manage legal risks associated with planning decisions.
  
• Strong legal drafting, analytical and problem-solving skills.
  
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  
• Experience reviewing planning officer reports and advising on legal implications.
  
• Ability to work independently and provide confident legal advice in public meetings.
  

Desirable

• Previous Local Authority Planning Legal experience.
  
• Experience supporting Planning Appeals and Judicial Review proceedings.
  
• Experience advising on large-scale development schemes.
  
• Advocacy experience within planning-related matters.
  
• Knowledge of local government constitutions and governance arrangements.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Hybrid / Committee Attendance Required
  
• Hours Per Week: As Required
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments