Planning Locum Solicitor

Civic Recruitment Limited; Broxtowe; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Broxtowe, United Kingdom – Civic Recruitment Limited seeks a qualified solicitor or barrister to provide specialist planning law advice to the Council, supporting lawful decision-making. You will attend Planning Committee meetings as the Council's legal advisor, advising on planning applications, conditions, and Section 106 matters.

The role requires extensive Local Authority Planning experience, strong drafting skills, and the ability to manage legal risks in public meetings.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with current practising certificate.
• Minimum 5 years' post-qualification experience in planning law.
• Significant local government planning advisory experience.
• Experience attending and advising Planning Committees in person.

Responsibilities

• Attend Planning Committee meetings as the Council's legal advisor.
• Provide specialist planning law advice on development matters.
• Draft and negotiate Section 106 agreements and planning obligations.
• Advise on planning applications, committee procedures and conditions.
• Review reports and identify legal risks for officers and members.

Skills

Planning law

Legal advisory

Public sector experience

Stakeholder management

Legal drafting

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with practising certificate

Job description

Broxtowe, United Kingdom | Posted on 14/10/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That's why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

5 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide specialist planning law advice and legal support to the Council, with a primary focus on advising Planning Committee and supporting lawful planning decision-making.

The postholder will act as the Council's legal advisor at Planning Committee meetings, ensuring compliance with planning legislation, governance requirements and constitutional procedures. The role will provide expert advice on planning applications, committee procedures, planning conditions, reasons for refusal, Section 106 agreements and appeal risks, whilst supporting officers and elected members in making legally robust decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend and advise Planning Committee meetings as the Council's legal advisor.
• Provide specialist legal advice on planning law and development management matters.
• Planning procedures
• Material planning considerations
• Planning conditions
• Reasons for refusal
• Costs implications
• Decision-making processes
• Review Planning Committee reports and identify legal risks and issues.
• Liaise with planning officers prior to committee meetings to resolve legal concerns.
• Attend pre-committee briefings and member briefings where required.
• Town and Country Planning Act 1990
• National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
• Planning Appeals
• Planning Enforcement
• Section 106 Agreements
• Local Government Governance Requirements
• Draft, negotiate and advise on Section 106 Agreements and associated planning obligations.
• Support officers in ensuring planning decisions are legally compliant and defensible.
• Advise on constitutional requirements and committee procedure rules.
• Assist in managing legal risks associated with planning applications and committee decisions.
• Prepare legal advice, reports and briefing notes for officers and members.
• Keep up to date with legislative changes, case law and planning policy developments.
• Support the Council in defending appeals and responding to legal challenges where required.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a current practising certificate.
• Minimum 5 years' post-qualification experience in Planning Law.
• Significant experience advising on Local Government Planning matters.
• Extensive experience attending and advising Planning Committees in person.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Town and Country Planning Act 1990
  • National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
  • Section 106 Agreements
  • Planning Appeals
  • Planning Committee Procedures
  • Local Government Governance
  • Committee Procedure Rules
• Experience advising elected members and senior officers.
• Ability to identify and manage legal risks associated with planning decisions.
• Strong legal drafting, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience reviewing planning officer reports and advising on legal implications.
• Ability to work independently and provide confident legal advice in public meetings.
• Previous Local Authority Planning Legal experience.
• Experience supporting Planning Appeals and Judicial Review proceedings.
• Advocacy experience within planning-related matters.
• Knowledge of local government constitutions and governance arrangements.

Additional Information

• Location: Hybrid / Committee Attendance Required