Senior Planning Solicitor

Role Purpose
To provide professional/technical advice to officers, heads of department, colleagues and Councillors, in respect of planning, property and highway matters, in particular advising on major urban redevelopment projects, property acquisitions, public-private partnerships, appropriation and compulsory purchase orders

Responsibilities

• Advice planning officers on major planning applications and redevelopment projects
• Advice officers on compulsory purchase and appropriation
• Attend planning committee and licensing hearings
• Where necessary, to assist the Head of Law and/or Assistant Director of Director with complex and high-profile matters relating to Planning or Property matters.
• To provide advice on the monitoring officer duties and on the risk to the Council in respect of any legal implications arising from matters dealt with by the team.
• Handle proceedings, public inquires, appeals and judicial reviews in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Tribunals
• Ensure that proper records are maintained relating to all work undertaken.
• To instruct Counsel and/or external solicitors in accordance with the Service’s protocol.
• Ensure your actions and decisions align with the Council’s declaration of a climate and ecological emergency.

Requirements 

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX entitled to practice in England and Wales
• Experience of dealing with complex and/or high-profile Property and Regeneration cases
• Negotiating and drafting complex planning agreements and highway agreements and advise on major development schemes including the Council’s own redevelopment projects ( including legal advice and drafting of legal documents relating to property transactions)
• Ability to negotiate and draft complex legal agreements and deliver expert legal advice orally and in writing with a proven ability to provide practical, professional and straight forward solutions in delivering major strategic regeneration projects.
• Have a track record of advising on Regeneration and Planning law
• A solid track record of providing proactive, expert, timely and authoritative legal advice and support to senior leaders and key decision-makers at the highest levels
• Ability to provide visible support and leadership which empowers, enables and develops staff to achieve results