Planning and Environment Solicitor

Salary: £38,220- £51,356 per annum

Grade: JK and M

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week- part time considered

Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire

We are currently looking to recruit an ambitious and forward-thinking individual to work as a planning and environment lawyer within our successful legal service here at North Yorkshire Council.

If you have the relevant skills, drive and ambition to succeed, we want to hear from you

About the team…

The Legal Service is part of Legal and Democratic Services ('LDS') within the Chief Executive's Group. North Yorkshire Council provides a range of services to North Yorkshire, and the role of the Legal Service is to support that provision by providing a comprehensive and efficient legal service to the Directorates, the Council's Executive, full Council, Committees and Members, and external clients. The nature of the work requires a flexible and versatile approach as it will change from time to time in response to the changing needs of the Council, and its developing initiatives. The postholder is required to work with colleagues and Members at every level within the organisation and with external clients and partners.

When taking up the post the postholder must hold a qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX.

The role

The main focus of the role is planning and environment law and you will advise Officers and Councillors on a wide range of development control, planning policy and enforcement issues, S106 work and will attend at Council Committees. You will also get involved with work relating to highways, public rights of way and common land and village greens as well as attending at Court and Inquiries as part of your role. Support and training will be provided in any areas of the law where the candidate has not had the relevant experience.

You will:

• Be part of a friendly and supportive team of professionals

• Have the opportunity work on high profile cases and to learn and develop in other disciplines within our service

• Have the ability to communicate effectively in orally and in writing to suit a range of audiences

We welcome applications from anyone qualified and looking for a new and interesting challenge whether from private practice or with a local authority background.

The role will ideally be based in either Harrogate or Northallerton, but other Council Office locations can be considered depending on experience, with hybrid working opportunities and a requirement to cover the North Yorkshire area for hearings and meetings

What we can offer

You will also have access to a range of benefits such as a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working, excellent pension scheme, salary sacrifice car, cycle, technology and childcare schemes and a package of 'Everybody Benefits' shopping vouchers, discounts and more. Please see our total rewards brochure for more information.

Contact and Apply

For an informal discussion regarding the role please contact Catriona Gatrell, Head of Legal Property Planning and Environment

Key Documents

Job Description

Total Rewards Brochure

Key Dates

Closing Date: 26 November 2025

Shortlisting Date: 27 November 2025

Interview Dates: 3rd or 4th December 2025

NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies.

We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity.

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to this commitment.

North Yorkshire Councils' purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other's contributions; we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds

Planning and Environment Solicitor

Salary: £38,220 - £51,356 per annum

Posted: 13/11/2025

Closing date: 26/11/2025

Closing time: 23:59