Interim Planning Solicitor - 12 month FTC TBC

HR-0110-26 Interim Planning Solicitor - 12 month FTC TBC

Designated Workplace: 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk, L39 2DF

PostType: Full Time

Published: Thursday 25 June 2026

ClosingDate: Monday 20 July 2026

Reference: HR-0110-26

We are seeking a skilled and motivated legal professional with experience in Planning and Regulatory law, playing a key role in delivering a high quality, proactive and customer focused legal service to the Council.

Reporting to the Principal Solicitor, you will support the delivery of a comprehensive legal service across planning matters, contributing to the Council's strategic priorities and ensuring that decisions are underpinned by a robust legal framework. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of local government, supporting sustainable development and shaping the communities we serve.

About the Role

The role will involve:

• Managing a varied caseload of planning and regulatory matters, including planning applications, enforcement, appeals, inquiries and related litigation
• Providing clear, pragmatic and solution-focused legal advice on complex planning issues, including development management, policy and interpretation of legislation
• Drafting and advising on planning agreements, including section 106 agreements, unilateral undertakings and related infrastructure arrangements
• Preparing and conducting cases, including advocacy where appropriate, in courts, tribunals and public inquiries or instruct Counsel as required
• Supporting the development of planning policy, including local plans and neighbourhood plans, ensuring legal compliance and best practice
• Attending committees, sub-committees and working groups, providing timely and accurate legal advice to Members and senior officers
• Contributing to the drafting of bespoke legal documentation and the development of new processes and working practices in evolving areas of law
• Building strong working relationships with internal teams, external partners and stakeholders to deliver coordinated and effective outcomes
• Supporting continuous improvement within the legal service, contributing to a proactive, efficient and high-performing team

You will play a key role in supporting the Council's corporate objectives, helping to manage risk, uphold governance standards and ensure lawful and effective delivery of planning services.

What You Will Bring

You will be a capable and confident legal professional with experience in planning law and a strong commitment to public service. You will bring:

• Qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with experience in planning law and local government work
• Strong technical knowledge of planning legislation, practice and procedure, including enforcement and planning obligations
• Experience of drafting legal agreements and handling planning-related proceedings, including advocacy or case preparation
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to deadlines within a complex environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to advise senior officers, Members and external stakeholders
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide creative and legally sound solutions
• A proactive, solution-focused approach with sound judgement and attention to detail
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative and supportive team

You will be driven to deliver excellent outcomes, contribute to continuous improvement and support a culture that is customer-focused, professional and responsive.

Interview Dates

Thursday 13th and Friday 14th August