Job Description

Are you looking to drive your career forward by working as part of a dynamic and rewarding team?



Here at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council we are seeking a talented and enthusiastic individual to join our Legal Services team as a Planning Lawyer



We are a large, in-house legal team consisting of lawyers, paralegals and support staff providing legal advice to two local authorities (Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hart District Council). As a shared legal service, we advise across a range of areas of law including property, contracts, procurement, planning, litigation (civil and criminal), housing, licensing and governance.

What we're looking for

We are looking for individuals who:


Are a qualified, practicing Solicitor/Barrister/CILEX and have a proven track record of delivering high quality legal advice within, and a developing knowledge of, planning law; Can work as part of a team, be flexible and enthusiastic. Can demonstrate excellent communication skills and can prioritise workloads and meet deadlines;

General local government and/or public law experience gained through working in a local authority would also be beneficial, although not essential.

What you will do

As a Planning Solicitor you will:


manage a caseload of planning matters, including planning enforcement, s.106 agreements and advice work, provide high-quality professional legal services on planning matters, draft and review documents, work towards advising at planning committee and provide support at planning appeals and inquiries;

What benefits do we offer?

At Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council we offer a wide range of employee benefits to recognise your valued contribution:


Flexible and hybrid working options Generous leave entitlement - 28 days plus bank holidays (increases with service) Local government pension scheme and Life Assurance Salary sacrifice schemes for bicycles and electric cars Access to discounts at nationwide retailers through our 'B Rewarded' perks discount site Funded healthcare cash plan including optical and dental Access to a free and confidential employee assistance program Support towards a variety of training including professional qualifications, apprenticeships, wider technical and soft skills development.

About Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council

Covering an area of over 245 square miles in northern Hampshire and within a short distance to London Waterloo and the south coast, Basingstoke and Deane offers a real blend of rural and urban living. With a population of 185,200 people, Basingstoke is a fast paced, vibrant, and modern town with many successful businesses, surrounded by pretty villages and set in the stunning Hampshire countryside.



We are extremely lucky to be in a position that few other councils are in, as we continue to deliver our key front-line services and are going a step further by investing a significant amount of money each year to improve these services for our residents. Our 2022 resident satisfaction survey rate was an impressive 93% - a figure that has remained consistently high in recent years and well above the South East's 74% average and the national 80% average.



We are excited to learn more about you and what you can bring to our team. If you have any questions about the role, feel free to email our Planning, Litigation and Governance Team Manager at emma.bethell@basingstoke.gov.uk



Please apply today!

The council signs up to the Disability Confident scheme (formerly known as the 'Two Ticks' scheme). If you have declared a disability on the application form we can guarantee you an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the job.

Appointment Type

Permanent Position

Full Time/Part Time

Full-time

Job Category

Legal

Hours

37

Is this a hybrid working role?

Yes

Salary Min

49,055

Salary Max

52,918

Interview date

Week commencing 12 May 2025

Closing Date

08/05/2025

Ref No

771