Lawyer (Planning)

Lawyer (Planning) Are you qualified solicitor, barrister, or legal executive with an up-to-date practising certificate? Are you looking for a role that will actively invest in your professional development? Are you looking for a role with variety, where you can be relied on for your expertise and experience? Do your skills include concise communication, an ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with Officers at different levels in the Council, and the ability to advise on matters with a variety of legal issues in a professional manner in all situations, including advising at planning committee? This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role and make an impact in the Shared Legal Services team for Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council. We are ambitious, dynamic and innovative local authorities. Key to our success is our commitment to team working and ongoing development of our high performing, highly engaged workforce, who all share in the delivery of the organisation’s values and corporate objectives As Planning Lawyer, you will join a friendly and supportive team and advise on all aspects of planning law and policy. You will have conduct of your own caseload and deal with varied and stimulating work on the cutting edge of planning law. Key Responsibilities include: - Provide legal advice and guidance on planning law, policy, and procedures - Draft, review, and negotiate planning agreements, including section 106 agreements - Ensure the proper conduct of planning inquiries, including the provision of advocacy at public hearings - Represent the council in planning committees on a rota basis. The planning committee occur in the evening - Provide advice and assistance to other members of the legal team in respect of planning law matters. This is a permanent, part time role, 29.5 hours per week. Closing date for applications: 16 December 2025 Interview date: TBC In return for your valued contribution, we can offer you a competitive benefits package which includes hybrid working and agile working policies, training and development opportunities, generous annual leave and flexi time, free onsite parking, an employee assistance scheme and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme. You can find out more about working at Waverley and our benefits by visiting -  The boroughs are home to many different people, and we want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences - we are a Disability Confident employer and appoint on merit. You can find out more about this scheme and check your eligibility  We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from serving or ex-members of the armed forces and their partners. We offer and interview scheme for serving and ex-military forces members when they meet the essential criteria for the role. You can find out more about this scheme and check your eligibility  How to apply Appointment Type Permanent Position Full Time/Part Time Part-time Job Category Legal Hours 29.5 Location Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford GU2 4BB, Waverley Borough Council, The Burys, Godalming GU7 9TH Pay rate Salary range £41,167 - £44,115 per annum (FTE £51,634 - £55,331 per annum) DBS Security Clearance Level Required Not Applicable Closing Date 16/12/2025 Ref No 11003 Documents (PDF, 7378.86kb) (PDF, 775.65kb) About Guildford Guildford is a regional centre for leisure, business, education, shopping and culture set in beautiful countryside that includes the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Guildford is a thriving market town and is a principal shopping destination with a vibrant night time economy. The town’s geographical location provides excellent transport links in all directions, London is just 30 minutes away on the train and the town is well-served by frequent bus routes and subsidised Park and Ride facilities.  All of this contributes to a quality of life that attracts many people to live, work in and visit Guildford. We are an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and post-holders to share this commitment.  To fulfil this commitment we have robust systems in place for the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers.