Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified and experienced Planning Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX) to join our Legal Services team. This is a fantastic time to join us as we continue to strengthen and grow both our Legal and Planning teams.





We are a motivated and highly professional team, committed to excellence and passionate about delivering high-quality legal services. We are looking for an individual with a strong interest in Planning Law, ideally with experience in Planning disputes and enforcement. However, we also welcome applications from candidates with relevant experience in Conveyancing or Property Law who are keen to develop their expertise in Planning.

The Role

You will:




Provide timely and effective specialist legal advice to elected Members (including Committees) and Officers across the Council.



Handle a varied and high-quality caseload, including Judicial Reviews, Planning Inquiries, High Court applications, and other complex matters.



Advise on all aspects of Planning enforcement, including Enforcement Notices, Stop Notices, s.215 Notices, Tree Preservation Orders, High Hedge Complaints, Advertising Regulations, POCA, CIL Stop Notices, and Lawful Development Certificates.



Contribute to the preparation of Committee Reports and attend Council and Committee meetings as required.



Support other areas of the Legal Services team as needed, offering the opportunity to broaden local government legal experience.

What we are looking for

You will be:




A qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX) with experience in Planning Law, or with a background in Conveyancing or Property Law and a desire to specialise in Planning.



A confident communicator with excellent written and verbal skills.



Able to use sound judgement and initiative, manage a busy caseload, and work collaboratively within a team.

Why work with us?

Flexible, hybrid working with the option to work from home.



Requirement to attend the Ormskirk office for Committee meetings and in line with business needs.



Family-friendly policies and a strong commitment to work-life balance.



A supportive and inclusive team environment.



Opportunities for professional development and career progression.


If you are looking for a role that offers interesting, high-profile legal work in a supportive and flexible environment, we would love to hear from you.





Apply now and help shape the future of our Planning and Legal services.



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.