Job Description

About The Role

An opportunity has arisen for a qualified and experienced Planning Lawyer to join the Council\'s Legal Services Team. This is an exciting time for you to join us and develop your career as we look to further strengthen and grow our legal team.

This motivated and highly professional team is looking for an individual committed to excellence in their work and with a passion for planning law and experience of planning disputes and enforcement. If successful you will assist across all aspects of the legal work for the service including providing timely and effective specialist legal advice to elected Members, including committees and officers across the council.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• giving advice to Council, elected members and the Council\'s Planning Department on all matters relating to Town and Country Planning and associated legislation
• negotiating, drafting and dealing with agreements under s.106 Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and any other related agreements
• managing a varied caseload of complex and substantial legal work including, but not limited to, planning disputes, section 106 agreements, providing advice and support on planning law issues, drafting agreements, article 4 directions, public inquiries and the local plan
• dealing with all matters involving planning enforcement covered by planning legislation and all related legislation including, but not limited to, enforcement notices, stop notices and notices under s.215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990
• Contribute to preparation of committee reports and attendance at Council and committee meetings from time to time as directed and required
• Providing pragmatic advice across a range of local government work, providing appropriate solutions that are legally and constitutionally compliant
• Undertaking research and providing advice to the Council in the areas of planning law specifically and local government law generally

*In line with their pay policy, EHC will review the application of the Market Forces Supplement annually, and if warranted, will make adjustments in liaison with affected staff.

About You

This role will suit a detailed, focused, enthusiastic lawyer who enjoys a busy and challenging caseload.

The ideal candidate will have:

• good knowledge of relevant legislation pertaining to the legal areas associated with the post and the decision making processes and procedures
• experience of conducting a full, varied and demanding caseload of complex and sensitive planning law matters including planning disputes and enforcement
• experience of advising at committees, particularly Development Management Committees
• the ability to deal with challenging situations using tact and diplomacy
• excellent communication skills
• experience of working with multiple stakeholders from the public and private sector
• the ability to motivate people around them

How To Apply

For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact James Ellis, Head of Legal and Democratic Services on 01279 502170.

To apply for this role please click on the "Apply Online" link below and then complete our application form.

EHC is an equal opportunity employer committed to embracing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people regardless of their gender, marital/parental status, ethnic origin, nationality, religious belief age, background, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity

Local Government Jobs