At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage planning and regulatory matters, providing legal advice and drafting agreements.
- Company: Join a dynamic local government team making a real impact in the community.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape sustainable development and support your community through impactful legal work.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with planning law experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Ormskirk / Hybrid, with travel to other locations required.
We are seeking a skilled and motivated legal professional with experience in Planning and Regulatory law, playing a key role in delivering a high quality, proactive and customer focused legal service to the Council. Reporting to the Principal Solicitor, you will support the delivery of a comprehensive legal service across planning matters, contributing to the Council’s strategic priorities and ensuring that decisions are underpinned by a robust legal framework. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of local government, supporting sustainable development and shaping the communities we serve.
About the Role
- Managing a varied caseload of planning and regulatory matters, including planning applications, enforcement, appeals, inquiries and related litigation.
- Providing clear, pragmatic and solution-focused legal advice on complex planning issues, including development management, policy and interpretation of legislation.
- Drafting and advising on planning agreements, including section 106 agreements, unilateral undertakings and related infrastructure arrangements.
- Preparing and conducting cases, including advocacy where appropriate, in courts, tribunals and public inquiries or instruct Counsel as required.
- Supporting the development of planning policy, including local plans and neighbourhood plans, ensuring legal compliance and best practice.
- Attending committees, sub-committees and working groups, providing timely and accurate legal advice to Members and senior officers.
- Contributing to the drafting of bespoke legal documentation and the development of new processes and working practices in evolving areas of law.
- Building strong working relationships with internal teams, external partners and stakeholders to deliver coordinated and effective outcomes.
- Supporting continuous improvement within the legal service, contributing to a proactive, efficient and high-performing team.
What You Will Bring
- Qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with experience in planning law and local government work.
- Strong technical knowledge of planning legislation, practice and procedure, including enforcement and planning obligations.
- Experience of drafting legal agreements and handling planning-related proceedings, including advocacy or case preparation.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to deadlines within a complex environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to advise senior officers, Members and external stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide creative and legally sound solutions.
- A proactive, solution-focused approach with sound judgement and attention to detail.
- The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative and supportive team.
These are politically restricted posts (see Section 2 Local Government and Housing Act 1989).
Planning Solicitor – Interim in Ormskirk employer: North West Legal Consortium
Halton Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous benefits such as 34 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in a collaborative environment dedicated to community development.
Contact Details:
North West Legal Consortium Recruitment Team
