Senior Lawyer (Planning)
Join a dynamic legal team shaping the future of planning across Cambridge!
Job Description
We’re excited to offer a new opportunity for a talented Senior Lawyer (Planning) to join our small, collaborative team within the 3C Shared Legal Service—serving Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, and Huntingdonshire District Council. This is a pivotal time for our councils, with a portfolio of ambitious growth projects in and around Cambridge. You’ll play a key role in supporting these developments by providing expert legal advice on development control, listed buildings and conservation areas, enforcement and planning inquiries, planning agreements, notices, and compulsory purchase.
Responsibilities
* Provide expert legal advice on development control, listed buildings, conservation areas, enforcement, planning inquiries, planning agreements, notices and compulsory purchase.
* Work closely with officers, councillors and senior leaders, offering clear, practical legal guidance and helping shape the region’s planning landscape.
Qualifications
* Substantial legal experience in planning law.
* Qualification as a solicitor, barrister or fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (or equivalent experience).
* Strong drafting skills and ability to lead on complex legal matters.
* Collaborative mindset and mentoring skills to support junior colleagues.
* Knowledge of local government procedures desirable; confident working independently and advising at all levels, including committees.
Additional Information
* 📍 This post is politically restricted.
* 🚗 Travel across the three councils may be required.
* 💼 Hybrid working options available.
Benefits
* A variety of learning and development opportunities via a range of sources and methods.
* Access to the highly valued Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
* Additional Voluntary Contribution (Shared AVC) Scheme.
* Agile and flexible working.
* Annual leave purchasing scheme.
* Annually negotiated pay and award progression.
* Confidential advice and support via an Employee Assistance programme and Wellbeing Hub.
* Cycle to Work Scheme.
* Family friendly policies.
* Flexible Bank Holidays.
* Generous annual leave allowance 25 days per annum, rising to 30 days after five years continuous service; plus 8 days public holidays (pro rata for part time).
* Gym membership.
* Lifestyle savings with over 750 discounts from the UK’s leading retailers, restaurants, supermarkets, attractions and more.
* Professional membership fees paid for, dependent on the role.
* Relocation assistance may be payable in approved cases.
* Staff reward and recognition framework.
* Subsidy for public transport.
Hours
Full‑time role, 37 hours per week. If you believe you have the skills and experience to join us and would like to discuss different working patterns, please let us know.
Contract
Permanent.
Salary
£52,413 – £56,782 per annum (City Pay Band 8), pro rata for part‑time.
Location
Flexible – working in Cambridge on site or at one of our offices, or working from home. You will be able to balance your work location accordingly depending on the priorities of your role and team.
More Information
You can click on the links here to find out more information about Staff Pay and Benefits, Working for the Council, our Values & Behaviours, Equality & Diversity in Recruitment or Our People & Culture Strategy.
Application Process
To be considered for this role, please click ‘Apply Online’ and submit an application. If you would like an informal chat, please contact Richard Pitt on or email Richard.pitt@3csharedservices.org.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Cambridge City Council is an equal opportunity employer and embraces diversity, creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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