Lawyer (Planning)

Torbay Council; Devon and Torbay; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the United Kingdom is seeking a Planning Lawyer to join its Legal Services Team. This role offers the opportunity to be actively involved in key planning agendas that benefit the community. Applicants should be qualified lawyers with experience in handling planning law cases and possess strong communication skills. The position includes a hybrid working model, 26 days of annual leave, and a supportive work environment aimed at professional development.

Benefits

Generous salary

26 days annual leave

Career Average Re‑Valued Earnings pension scheme

Flexible working hours

Family friendly policies

Lifestyle discounts and health benefits

Learning and development opportunities

Supportive management structure

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with expertise in planning law, either from the public or private sector.
• Experience in handling a fast-paced and varied planning caseload.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Support key agendas for investment and prosperity in Torbay.
• Attend essential meetings and make court appearances as required.
• Provide legal advice and support within the planning framework.

Skills

Planning law expertise

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Qualified lawyer

Job description

No two days in Torbay are ever the same! Torbay is breath‑taking, captivating, and welcoming, occupying a prime position on the south coast of Devon. Currently experiencing unprecedented levels of investment and the council’s own ambitious transformation programme have given Torbay the opportunity to capitalise on the area’s profile and many assets. As a small unitary authority, you’ll discover Torbay is a place where you can make things happen quickly. We have real momentum building, fuelled by a shared sense of purpose and ambition – which is clearly evident by our recent success in being awarded the ‘Most Improved Council’ at last year’s LGC Awards. We want Torbay and its residents to thrive and are committed to making a difference in our community, delivering high quality services to local people.

To complement this journey, we are now seeking a Planning Lawyer to join our Legal Services Team. This varied role provides a platform to be actively involved, supporting key agendas pertinent to the investment and prosperity of Torbay, its residents, businesses and wider communities. No two days will be the same, for which those already working within local government will attest to and actively thrive upon.

Undertaking the role of a Lawyer, you will be a suitably qualified professional across either the public or private sector, excited by a fast‑paced and varied planning caseload, conscientious, professionally curious and a role model to other team members. In return, you will join a supportive and rewarding organisation and team, whereby your talent will be valued and actively developed. At Torbay Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from our people, and we are excited for you to join us.

We also understand the importance of an effective work‑life balance, therefore offer an enviable hybrid working approach. This is managed effectively around the need to attend essential meetings and/or make court appearances in line with the remit of the role.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work for an employer that is in a great period of change and sees legal services as not simply a support function, but an enabler in the pursuit of their ambitious transformation journey.

If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/lawyer-planning/

In return we offer:

• A generous salary.
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service.
• A Career Average Re‑Valued Earnings (CARE) pension scheme through Peninsula Pensions.
• A great working environment with flexible hours.
• Family friendly policies.
• A wide range of lifestyle discounts and health and wellbeing benefits.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• A supportive management and team structure.

For an informal chat please contact Ian Goldsmith on 01803 207157 or [e-mail].

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.