At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage your own caseload in Planning and Highways law while advising council members.
- Company: Join Halton Borough Council, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community projects and legal decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in Planning and Highways law is essential.
Salary: £54,181 – £57,269 (pay award pending). Salary includes a market supplement of £7k until December 2027. This is subject to an earlier removal should there be a rationale to do so.
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Closing Date: 19 July 2026
Job Category: Legal
Department: Legal and Democratic Services
Location: Halton Borough Council, United Kingdom
DBS Check: Standard
Job Introduction
We are looking for an experienced and proactive Planning & Highways Lawyer to join our team. Reporting to the Principal Solicitor, you will manage your own caseload of Planning and Highways matters and provide legal advice to officers and members on the Council’s planning and highways functions. You will also advise the Council’s Boards, Committees, Panels, and Groups of Members to ensure that policy and operational decisions are taken on a sound legal basis and in the most effective and beneficial way.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide advice to Officers and Members on statute, case law, and policy for the Council’s planning functions, including development management and enforcement.
- Provide advice to Officers and Members on the Council’s highways functions, including public rights of way, stopping up and diversion orders, traffic regulation orders and any general highway queries.
- Draft and negotiate property legal documentation to assist with the delivery of housing and regeneration projects and to provide strategic advice in relation to Compulsory Purchase matters.
- Identify, research, and anticipate the effects on service provision of new developments in the law to ensure that clients are able to deliver timely and responsive services.
- Deliver training for Members, Officers, and Legal Services staff and participate in recognised national and regional group activities to improve understanding of legal and service issues and the quality of service provision.
Additional Contributions
- Provide advice to Officers and Members of the Council on all manner of Planning and Highways queries, as well as bringing and defending litigation including appeals, Judicial Reviews, and Statutory Reviews.
- Draft and advise on a variety of legal documentation including section 106, unilateral, section 278 and section 38 agreements, and ensure that policy and operational decisions are taken on a sound legal basis.
- Work collaboratively with the Planning and Highways departments to ensure the Council delivers innovative building projects, new developments, and regeneration across the Borough, engaging with external partners and other stakeholders along the way.
- May engage in Property work where experience and personal interest allow.
Benefits
- Generous annual holiday allowance starting at 34 days per year (including bank holidays), increasing with long service and option to purchase an additional four days of unpaid leave for our Annual Christmas Closedown.
- Membership of our defined benefit, salary-linked Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with generous employer contributions.
- Salary Life Cover via Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Investment in personal development.
- Free car parking at HBC sites.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Extensive employee benefits platform including discounted shopping, car leasing, gym memberships, wellbeing hub and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Essential car user allowance.
Contact & Application
For an informal chat about this role, contact Liz Wilson‑Lagan, Head of Legal Corporate and Governance at liz.wilson-lagan@halton.gov.uk. This role closes on Sunday 19th July, however applications will be reviewed as they are received. We therefore encourage early applications.
Equality and Diversity
Halton Borough Council is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier‑free and tailored to best suit the needs and strengths of every individual. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact resourcing@halton.gov.uk.
Planning & Highways Lawyer 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
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning & Highways Lawyer
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We think you need these skills to ace Planning & Highways Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at North West Legal Consortium, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
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How to prepare for a job interview at North West Legal Consortium
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
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Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
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