Lawyer 1 - Planning and Highways

Hoople; Hereford; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading council is seeking a proactive Planning and Highways Lawyer to join their dedicated team. This permanent role offers a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment. The ideal candidate will have expertise in planning and highways law and will contribute significantly to Herefordshire's development.

Benefits

Relocation support up to £5,000

Pension Scheme: LGPS

Generous annual leave: 31 days plus bank holidays

Flexible working arrangements

Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support

Payment of professional membership fees

Additional perks: discounts and savings

Qualifications

• Experience in planning and highways law is essential.
• Must be a qualified legal professional.
• Ability to advise on complex legal issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on redevelopment schemes and planning enforcement.
• Attend decision-making meetings and advocate on contentious matters.
• Support junior team members and contribute to team improvement.

Skills

Planning and highways law

Legal advice

Advocacy

Education

Solicitor, Legal Executive, or qualified barrister

Job description

About The Role

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £39,513 -£43,693

Hours: 37

Location: Hereford

Closing Date: 19/06/2025

We are seeking a proactive and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer to join our dedicated and friendly Planning & Highways Team within Legal Services.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact and contribute to the development of Herefordshire. The ideal candidate will have experience in planning and highways law, with demonstrated knowledge in these areas.

You will provide legal advice on a variety of issues, including:

• Large-scale redevelopment schemes, CPOs, listed buildings, land contamination
• Drafting S106 and Highway Agreements
• Planning enforcement, planning/highway prosecutions
• Appeals and Public Inquiries
• Lawful Development Certificates, TPO advice
• Judicial Review, High Court proceedings, governance, and other legal areas

Your responsibilities will include:

• Advising councillors, stakeholders, and senior officers, and liaising with external bodies and legal advisers
• Attending decision-making meetings, including Planning Committee, remotely or in person
• Advocating on contentious planning and highway matters, drafting documents, and reviewing reports
• Contributing to the improvement of the Legal Services Team
• Supporting junior team members, including the Legal Apprentice, in legal practice and development

The suitable candidate must be a Solicitor, Legal Executive (fellow of CiLEX), or qualified barrister. We welcome applications from candidates at any career stage, regardless of PQE or sector experience.

In return, we offer:

• Basic Salary: £39,513 to £48,710, depending on experience
• Relocation support up to £5,000
• Pension Scheme: LGPS
• Professional development opportunities
• Generous annual leave: 31 days plus bank holidays, with options to purchase additional days
• Flexible working arrangements
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support and counselling
• Payment of professional membership fees
• Additional perks: retail, leisure, holiday, and health benefits, discounts, and savings

Herefordshire is a historic and scenic county on the border with Wales, known for its unspoilt countryside, heritage, and vibrant market towns. We aim to be an exemplar of modern rural living, supporting sustainable growth and community wellbeing.

The Council has recently modernised, fostering a vibrant, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We promote a healthy work/life balance and welcome applications from candidates nationwide.