Lawyer - Planning & Property - 05735

West Berkshire Council; Newbury; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Hybrid working 40% in office

Training & development opportunities

Local Government Pension Scheme

Job summary

West Berkshire Council in Newbury seeks an experienced lawyer specialised in Planning and Property to join our Legal and Democratic Service. Reporting to the Principal Lawyer - Planning, Regeneration & Property, you will provide high-quality legal advice on a broad range of planning and property matters, both contentious and non-contentious.

You will draft and review planning documents, represent the Council in tribunals and court hearings, and collaborate with internal teams to ensure

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX with practising certificate.
• Experience in planning and property law, ideally in a local authority or public sector.
• Strong legal research and drafting skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on planning and highways issues, including enforcement.
• Draft and review planning and highways agreements and other documents.
• Represent the Council in tribunals and court hearings.
• Advise on complex legal issues and ensure compliance with legislation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure legal obligations are met.
• Offer legal support on property matters and transactions.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting

Communication

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister or CILEX

Job description

Are you an experienced lawyer looking for a new challenge in a dynamic and supportive environment?

West Berkshire Council is seeking a lawyer experienced in Planning and Property to join our Legal and Democratic Service. Reporting to the Principal Lawyer - Planning, Regeneration & Property you will play a key role in providing high-quality legal advice and support on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious planning and property matters.

About The Role

• Providing legal advice and support on planning and highways issues, including enforcement
• Drafting and reviewing legal documents including planning and highways agreements
• Representing the Council in legal proceedings, including tribunals and court hearings
• Advising on complex legal issues and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with legal obligations
• Providing legal advice and support, when necessary, on property issues and transactions

About You

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX (with additional litigation rights) with a valid practising certificate
• Experience in planning and property law, ideally within a local authority or public sector environment
• Strong legal research and drafting skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships
• Ability to work independently, manage a diverse caseload and prioritise effectively
• Team player with a positive and collaborative approach

Why Work for West Berkshire Council?

West Berkshire Council Offer Excellent Employment Benefits, Such As

• Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07:00 – 21:00
• Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the office
• Access to a wide range of relevant training and development opportunities
• Annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days per annum (plus public holidays) rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Family friendly policies
• Wellbeing programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits
• A range of local discounts

In addition to the above benefits, you will also enjoy a competitive salary (from £41,771 to £53,460 per annum based on a 37-hour working week) depending on experience.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Sarah House on 01635 519569 or email [e-mail]

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

This post is a Sensitive Post for the purpose of the Local Government Housing Act 1989, and the post-holder is therefore restricted from engaging in any prescribed political activities. In summary, this means that you are prohibited from holding political office and from involvement in any political activity within or outside the workplace. Full details of the restrictions can be found in the Council's Policy and Guidance on Politically Restricted Posts.

West Berkshire Council is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Equal Opportunities

The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

AI in Applications

We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation.

However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected.

We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.