Planning and Highways Lawyer - Minimum 60% of time spent in the office, Civic Centre, Gateshead.
Shape places. Support communities. Make a real legal impact.
Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward‑thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi‑time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Advance your career while shaping the local environment.
Our Legal team provides comprehensive advice and support across both contentious and non‑contentious matters, helping to ensure lawful, robust, and high‑quality decision‑making across the organisation. The team covers a broad portfolio of specialist areas, including Commercial and Regulatory Law, Litigation, and Property, Planning and Highways. The team plays a vital role in enabling effective service delivery and protecting Gateshead Council's interests. This is a dynamic, solutions‑focused team supporting colleagues at every level.
Help drive development with clarity and confidence.
Are you a qualified legal professional, looking for a role where your work genuinely shapes places and communities? We’re looking for a skilled Planning and Highways Lawyer to join our supportive, high‑performance Legal Services team. In this role, you’ll provide specialist advice, draft complex legal agreements, and support key decision‑making across the Council. You’ll work closely with colleagues, partners, and elected members to help deliver sustainable development, protect public rights, and ensure the Council meets its statutory responsibilities. If you’re ready to take on varied, meaningful work with real impact, we’d love to hear from you.
What you'll get to do:
* Provide legal advice, support and advocacy to the Council services responsible for Planning and Highway matters.
* Be fully conversant with the legislation, regulations and procedure in respect of planning and highways matters and to be aware of changes to the same to ensure accurate and effective advice is provided.
* Be responsible for the drafting and negotiation of Section 106 Agreements, Unilateral Undertakings and Section 38/278 Highway Agreements.
* Be responsible for drafting traffic regulation orders, stopping up and diversion orders, public path orders, definitive map modification orders and agreements.
* Represent the Council at court and other hearings and tribunals as required.
* Provide advice to elected members of the Planning and Rights of Way committees.
* Liaise with internal and external professionals as required.
* Maintain close liaison with client services and the Service Manager on all issues.
What you'll bring:
* Qualified solicitor, barrister or fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with a current practising certificate.
* Knowledge of all relevant legal provisions including Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Highways Act 1980, Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and associated regulations.
* A strong foundation in legal practice and procedure, with the confidence to apply this knowledge to planning and highways matters.
* Proven experience providing specialist Planning and Highways advice, offering clear, practical guidance to a range of stakeholders.
* Skilled in drafting, negotiation and advocacy, with the ability to navigate complex agreements and represent Gateshead Council effectively.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain legal issues clearly and build positive working relationships.
* The ability to manage your own caseload, balancing priorities and working independently while contributing to a supportive team culture.
What’s in it for you
* Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
* Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
* Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
* Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
* Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
* Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
* Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
* Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
* Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
* Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications. We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk. Alternatively, if you’d like an informal discussion about the role then please contact Lynn Willis, our Service Manager, on LynnWillis@Gateshead.Gov.UK or call on 0191 433 2112.
Please note:
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high‑volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.
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