Job Description

An opportunity has arisen for a qualified and experienced Planning Solicitor / Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX) to join the Council's Legal Services Team. This is an exciting time for you to join us and develop your career as we look to further strengthen and grow our legal and Planning teams.



This motivated and highly professional team is looking for individuals committed to excellence in their work, with a passion for Planning law and experience of Planning disputes and enforcement. If successful, you will assist across all aspects of legal work for the service including the provision of timely and effective specialist legal advice to elected Members, including committees and officers across the council.



If successful, you will be joining a team of specialist lawyers each with their own areas of expertise, including Planning, contracts and procurement, property, regulatory and enforcement. You will also be expected to be flexible and provide support to other areas of the Legal Services team, as needed, providing an opportunity to develop all-round experience in local government legal practice.

Solicitor/ Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX) (Planning)

This role will concentrate on providing advice on Planning but there will also be a requirement to undertake other general litigation / prosecutions across the Council.



You will be responsible for dealing with all matters involving Planning enforcement covered by planning legislation and all related legislation including, but not limited to, enforcement notices, stop notices and notices under s.215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Tree Preservation Orders, High Hedge Complaints, Advertising Regulations, POCA, CIL Stop Notices, Lawful Development Certificates.





Some of the key responsibilities include:


Contributing to the preparation of committee reports and attendance at Council and committee meetings from time to time as directed and required. Providing pragmatic advice across a range of local government work, providing appropriate solutions that are legally and constitutionally compliant. Undertaking research and providing advice to the Council in the areas of Planning law specifically and local government law generally.




You will be expected to demonstrate your ability to use judgment and initiative, to work as part of a team to problem solve and to effectively manage your caseload. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.





This role allows for a flexible combination of home and office working. You may also be required to undertake site visits. Attendance at team-meetings would normally be expected to be via Teams but there will also be a requirement to attend in-person meetings from time to time. In addition, we also offer flexible working arrangements to support you in achieving a positive home/ work balance.



If you require further information or your application will not submit then please call 01695 577177 or email recruitment@westlancs.gov.uk.


For general employability support please contact the employability team at thenest@westlancs.gov.uk


The successful applicant will be required to undergo security checks as part of the Baseline Personnel Security Standard for accessing Government records. This will include a Basic DBS check.


Please be advised that a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position with West Lancashire Borough Council.