Locum Legal Services Team Leader - Planning & Environment in England

Locum Legal Services Team Leader – Planning & Environment, East Midlands Local Authority, 6-9 months initial contract

An established Local Authority is seeking an experienced Planning Lawyer / Team Leader to join its Legal Services Division on a locum basis for an initial 6–9 month assignment starting March 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to lead a small, friendly and dedicated Planning & Environment team supporting a wide-ranging regulatory and licensing function within a busy Council environment.

The Role

Contract Length: 6–9 Month Contract | Commencing March 2026

Working Pattern: Full-Time (5 Days per Week Preferred)

Working Arrangement: Hybrid preferred, with one day a week in office

Rate: Up to £65 per hour (Flexibility for right candidate)

Key Responsibilities

• Managing, supervising and supporting solicitors, legal executives, trainees and support staff
• Overseeing team performance and ensuring service delivery meets Council requirements
• Complex drafting work, particularly Section 106 Agreements
• Drafting and analysing Certificates of Lawful Use
• Advising on planning policy and strategic matters
• Attending and advising at Planning Committee
• Handling Planning Enforcement matters
• Providing clear, pragmatic legal advice to:
• Councillors
• Senior and departmental officers
• Colleagues within Legal Services

Ideal Candidate

You will:

• Be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with 5+ years’ PQE
• Have strong planning law experience within a local authority setting
• Demonstrate proven team leadership or supervisory experience
• Be confident advising committees and senior stakeholders
• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Deliver concise, clear written and oral advice
• Be comfortable using Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom and case management systems
• Adhere to time recording practices

A collaborative approach and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced regulatory environment are essential.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Planning Lawyer seeking a leadership-focused interim role within a supportive and well-established local authority legal team.

For a confidential discussion and further details, please contact Philippa Stoate or Ebby Vallance on 07441 916438 or email localgovlegal@venngroup.com

Ref No. J93744

Venn Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all candidates.

Locum Legal Services Team Leader – Planning & Environment, East Midlands Local Authority, 6-9 months initial contract