Planning Solicitor

Planning Solicitor (Major Projects Team)

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £44,539 – £49,590 per annum

Hybrid: Hybrid/Remote & flexible working

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council are seeking to appoint a Planning Solicitor to join their Major Projects team on a permanent basis.

As Planning Solicitor, you will join a small, high-functioning team and take the lead on a range of planning matters. The work will include all aspects of legal work relating to planning law, advising Members and attending relevant meetings and planning committees.

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where individuals are valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. They offer a supportive and collaborative environment that encourages professional growth and development.

The Council has formal policies in place to allow for flexible working arrangements. This position enables hybrid working with a significant remote component. You will attend monthly Planning Committee meetings which will require an onsite presence.

Benefits

• Salary: £44,539 – £49,590 per annum
• Hybrid/Remote working
• Generous annual leave entitlements – 31 days per annum, rising to 36 after five years continuous service, with the option to buy an additional 10 days per annum
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Access to an award-winning employee benefits scheme

Duties

• Undertake specialist planning work
• High-level project support in all aspects of planning work
• Advise on regeneration, planning and development work
• Negotiate and provide specialist advice in relation to planning and CPO’s
• Represent the council in relation to any planning disputes
• Draft all required legal documents in relation to planning and development work
• Advise planning committee, Elected Members and officers as and when required
• Have conduct of Judicial review proceedings in relation to property disputes
• Advise on Asset of Community Value applications
• Advise and train elected member and officers in relation to planning legislation
• Instructing Counsel/Advocates to act or appear on behalf of the Council

Key Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor with at least three years’ post qualification experience
• Experience of Planning Law with a focus on CPO’S, highways, traffic, rights of ways, sewers orders
• Knowledge of local government law and understanding of role of local authority legal services division

If you meet the above-mentioned criteria, we would love to hear from you. Please apply to receive more information.

Please apply by sending your CV to sandwellmbc@venngroup.com

Please note that all applications and enquiries need to be directed to Venn Group and any applications made to the Council directly or indirectly will be passed on to Venn Group for review.

For an informal discussion, please contact Nik Stoate at Venn Group on 07703 832834 or email nstoate@venngroup.com

Closing date for completed applications is Sunday, 7 July 2023. It is intended that interviews will be held during week commencing 24 July 2023. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sandwell MBC is an inclusive employer and we welcome applications from all. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.