Principal Planning Lawyer - Person Specification

Job title:  Principal Planning Lawyer

 Grade:  12

Key requirements:

Priority 1 – Could not do the job without this

Priority 2 – Could not do the job without this, but provided have Priority 1 criteria, this could be developed in the job over an acceptable period

Priority 3 – Would enhance performance in the job, but is not essential

Qualifications & Membership  

1. Qualified solicitor, barrister or legal executive (or equivalent in law). – Priority 1
2. Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute or other relevant professional association. – Priority 2
3. A supplementary degree, masters, qualification or membership of an organisation that could assist in the undertaking of duties associated with this role. Such as a masters in town planning or another relevant field – Priority 3

Knowledge

1. A working knowledge of the planning application process and a full knowledge of the relevant legislative planning framework within which to operate. A specialist knowledge of legal agreements in relation to planning and development – Priority 1
2. A full working and up-to-date knowledge of planning case law (and the planning legal system) – Priority 1
3. A working knowledge of the various planning application processes, such as the NSIP regime and the DCO process – Priority 2
4. A knowledge of the planning enforcement system and the relevant processes and procedures – Priority 2
5. Knowledge of development viability, and other areas not necessarily prevalent in day-to-day planning work, but likely to be involved with, such as G&T planning or custom/self-build planning – Priority 2

Experience

1. Demonstrable experience of training, teaching, and supporting staff of all levels and capabilities. – Priority 2
2. Budget and fiscal management/responsibility – Priority 3
3. Assessing/Consulting/Advising on highly controversial applications that have had political implications that required careful management – Priority 2
4. Substantial experience working in a legal practice or team advising on planning matters – Priority 2
5. Demonstrable experience at a Public Inquiry advising and / or cross-examining – Priority 2

Skills

1. Demonstrable experience of budget improvement through income growth and fiscal best practices. – Priority 3
2. Verbal and written communication skills, demonstrating the ability to engage at all levels, including disseminating complex information in a digestible format – Priority 1
3. The ability to resolve conflict and deescalate emotive situations, and the ability to foster good relationships, especially with agents/developers/investors in the district, but also with local residents and Councillors – Priority 1
4. Excellent organisation and time management skills – Priority 1

Prepared by: Head of Planning & Place

Date: 06/05/2025

 

 

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Last Updated on Wednesday, June 11, 2025