Planning Lawyer

Location: St Albans
Contract: Locum

About the role

Our client is looking for a Planning Lawyer to join their legal team on a locum basis, providing legal advice and support on planning matters across the authority’s functions.

The successful candidate will advise planning officers, committees and other council services on planning law and procedure, covering the legal aspects of applications, enforcement and development management. The role is also expected to include drafting and negotiating planning agreements and supporting the authority in appeals and other proceedings.

This is a position for a planning lawyer who is comfortable giving clear, practical advice in a public sector setting and working with officers and elected members. It offers the chance to work on a varied caseload within a local planning authority and to contribute to decisions that shape development in the district.

Main responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to planning officers, committees and other council services on planning law and procedure
• Advise on the legal aspects of planning applications, including reports to committee and decision-making processes
• Draft, negotiate and complete section 106 agreements and other planning obligations
• Advise on planning enforcement, including notices, injunctions and prosecutions where required
• Support the authority in planning appeals, including hearings and inquiries, and instruct counsel where needed
• Advise on Community Infrastructure Levy and related matters
• Provide guidance on judicial review risk and respond to pre-action correspondence
• Advise on local plan matters, planning policy and related legal considerations
• Keep up to date with changes in planning legislation, case law and national policy
• Maintain accurate file records and comply with the authority’s governance and confidentiality requirements

Requirements

Essential

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or Chartered Legal Executive, with a current right to practise in England and Wales
• Proven experience advising on planning law, ideally within a local authority or a firm acting for public bodies
• Strong working knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and associated legislation
• Experience drafting and negotiating section 106 agreements
• Ability to manage a caseload independently and work to deadlines
• Clear written and verbal communication skills

Desirable

• Previous experience working within a local authority legal team
• Experience of planning appeals and enforcement action
• Experience advising planning committees
• Knowledge of CIL, biodiversity net gain and related requirements
• Experience of judicial review claims

The offer

This is a locum role based in St Albans. Rate, contract duration, start date and working pattern are to be confirmed with candidates. Further detail on the team and the scope of the role will be shared with shortlisted applicants.

If you are an experienced planning lawyer looking for a locum role within a Hertfordshire local authority, this position offers varied, high-quality work and the chance to make an immediate contribution. Apply below.