Planning Solicitor

Alder Forest; Worsley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus scheme

Pension scheme with Aviva

Private medical insurance

Job summary

Alder Forest is seeking a Planning Solicitor to join its growing Manchester planning team. You will advise on complex applications, draft and negotiate Section 106/278 agreements, and provide strategic planning advice across major development schemes.

You will handle enforcement matters, due diligence, and client relationships while supporting business development and mentoring junior staff in a collaborative, high‑calibre environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with up to 5 years' PQE in planning law.
• Strong academic record and excellent technical legal skills.
• Ability to take responsibility and manage files independently.
• Good commercial awareness and client-facing credibility.

Responsibilities

• Advise on complex planning applications and provide strategic advice.
• Draft and negotiate Section 106 and Section 278 agreements.
• Provide planning advice on major development schemes.
• Represent planning authorities and registered providers as needed.
• Handle enforcement matters and public inquiries.
• Conduct planning due diligence on transactions and commercial matters.
• Build client relationships and contribute to business development.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to training.

Skills

Planning law

Client relationships

Drafting & negotiate

Strategic advice

Education

Solicitor qualification (England & Wales)

Job description

Planning Solicitor - Salford An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Associate to join a growing Planning team in Manchester , working as part of a highly regarded national practice. The Planning team acts for a broad range of clients across both the private and public sectors, working closely with leading Real Estate, Construction, Corporate and Public Sector teams to provide strategic and commercial planning advice. The team advises on all contentious and non-contentious aspects of planning and environmental law, with the Manchester office offering an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Planning Solicitor to develop their career within a supportive and growing practice. The Role Working alongside experienced planning partners and colleagues across the firm's national network, you will have the opportunity to work on a varied caseload and play an important role in the continued development of the firm's planning offering. You will be involved in a range of high-quality
matters, including major development projects, regeneration schemes, infrastructure and environmental work, acting for developers, local authorities, registered providers and other significant clients. What you'll be doing Advising on complex planning applications, including legal reviews and strategic advice Drafting and negotiating Section 106 agreements Advising on Section 278 agreements Providing planning advice on major development schemes across a range of sectors Acting for planning authorities and registered providers in relation to CPO work Advising on enforcement issues and public inquiries Providing planning due diligence on commercial and corporate transactions Building and maintaining strong client relationships Supporting business development and marketing initiatives Managing files in accordance with the firm's procedures Participating in firm-wide and departmental training Supporting the development and training of junior members of the team where appropriate About You We
are looking for a Qualified Solicitor with up to 5 years' PQE who has gained solid experience within planning law and is keen to develop their career within a growing Manchester team. You will ideally have: Proven ability to take responsibility and manage files independently where appropriate Strong academic record Excellent technical legal skills and meticulous attention to detail A strong client focus and commitment to delivering an excellent service Good commercial awareness and strategic thinking Confidence and credibility in client-facing situations A methodical, organised and disciplined approach Excellent communication skills A genuine interest in developing your career within planning law This is an excellent opportunity for a Planning Solicitor looking to join a growing team, work on high-quality matters and build a strong reputation within the Manchester market. Benefits The firm offers a competitive benefits package, including: Annual bonus scheme GPP Pension
Scheme with Aviva Private Medical Insurance through Vitality Health Discounted gym memberships Free cinema tickets Health assessments A range of additional employee benefits INDMALN