Job Description

\xc2\xa341,496 - \xc2\xa350,885 per annum

We are looking for an enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer to join our dedicated and friendly Planning and Highways Team within Legal Services.

Expertise in planning and highways law and practice is essential and you must be able to demonstrate in depth knowledge in the relevant specialism.

The successful candidate will provide legal advice and assistance on a wide range of issues, varying in complexity including but not limited to:

• Advice on large scale redevelopment schemes, CPOs, Listed Buildings, land contamination
• Drafting of S106 and Highway Agreements
• Planning enforcement work and planning/highway prosecutions
• Dealing with Appeals and Public Inquiries
• Lawful Development Certificates, TPO advice
• Judicial Review and High Court proceedings

You will be expected to:

• Provide advice to Councillors, stakeholders and senior officers and to liaise with external bodies and legal advisers.
• To attend decision making meetings including Planning Committee remotely or in person if required. Planning Committee is monthly and shared with other officers and in person attendance will be rare.
• Undertake advocacy on contentious planning and highway matters, documents drafting and review of Cabinet and Planning Committee Reports.
• Contribute to the improvement of the Legal Services Team.
• Support junior members of the Team including the Legal Apprentice in legal practice and procedure contributing towards their professional development.

This role will suit a highly motivated and organised lawyer, seeking a challenge with a proactive approach to problem-solving, an aptitude for legal research and willingness to contribute to the improvement of the Legal Services Team as a whole. Excellent client care skills and an eagerness to provide an excellent high quality service to our clients is a must.

The post holder must be either a Solicitor or Legal Executive who is a fellow of CiLEX or a qualified barrister. We do not stipulate a certain PQE and would welcome applications from applicants at any stage of their career, whether or not your expertise is in the public or private sectors.

We will consider part time applications

This role is subject to a DBS check

Benefits of working for Herefordshire Council:

• A competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme, which includes:
• Pension Scheme Enrolment in the Local Government (LGPS)
• Generous Annual Leave: 26 days\xe2\x80\x99 annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. After five years\xe2\x80\x99 continuous service, this increases to 31 days (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum
• Flexible working: flexi-time, job-share, part-time hours and, in some instances, home working
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
• Payment of professional membership fees
• Pick your perks \xe2\x80\x93 our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts.

We welcome applicants whatever their personal characteristics or social identity. All requests for flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments will be considered.

The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post they are applying for:

• Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our commitment to the \xe2\x80\x9cDisability Confident\xe2\x80\x9d scheme;
• Those who indicate in their supporting statement that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant; and
• Those who indicate in their supporting statement that they are a Herefordshire care leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.

To apply, please submit your CV and complete the supporting statement within the application form, referring to the job description & person specification, detailing how you meet the specific requirements of the role.

About Us

Herefordshire is a beautiful, historic county located in the heart of the Marches on the border with Wales. We are one of the most rural and sparsely populated counties in England with a wealth of unspoilt countryside, distinctive heritage, and lively and attractive market towns.

Our priority in Herefordshire is to keep children safe and give them a great start in life. It\xe2\x80\x99s the priority for the council, our partners and for all of us who work with Children & Young People.

How do we do this? By having dynamic, dedicated, passionate and professional staff who work in a culture that focuses on what we can achieve with children, what they can achieve themselves, and the relationship we build with families and partners to enable this. We have invested heavily in training and developing staff in our relational practice approach with our improvement partner Leeds City Council, so it\'s an exciting time to join Herefordshire \xe2\x80\x93 we believe in investing in you so you can be the best you can be!

Herefordshire has a really strong team ethos. Our teams are passionate about the work they do and the positive difference they and the teams they are in make to people\xe2\x80\x99s lives. This is all underpinned by the focus and support from their managers and the council as a whole.

We will deliver better support to our most vulnerable children and their families, develop stronger relationships with partners across the region, and beyond.

Come to Herefordshire and join the journey.

Closing date: 10 October 2023

For further information or to apply for the position please select the \'Enquire/Apply\' button below.

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