Overview
Planning Law Solicitor – Holmes & Hills Solicitors
We are looking for a Planning Law Solicitor to join our highly regarded specialist Planning Law Department recognised by Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and The Planner for its planning expertise. The role would suit candidates with all levels of Planning Law experience; the preferable candidate would be a specialist Planning Solicitor. You will work as part of a specialist team assisting the firm’s wide variety of clients and professional referrers. The work includes areas of planning law such as: s106, s38, s272 and s104 infrastructure agreements; providing planning law advice on a wide range of commercial, residential or mixed-use projects; preparing applications for certificates of lawfulness; dealing with appeals on behalf of local authorities, landowners and developers following refusals of planning permission, certificates of lawfulness and enforcement notices; s288 statutory challenges and judicial reviews in the High Court; and acting on both sides of enforcement prosecutions. You will provide expert and specialist advice, pursue the client’s best interests, and build strong relationships with the firm’s existing client base while helping expand the department’s professional network and promoting the department.
The day to day
The Planning Law Department deals with a broad spectrum of planning and development related matters, acting for developers, landowners, local planning authorities and individuals. The department is:
* Frequently advising Local Planning Authorities, landowners and property developers on complex s106 Agreements ensuring the grant of planning permission for residential and mixed developments of up to hundreds to thousands of new homes, including provision of community facilities, financial contributions, land for education and employment uses, public open space, ecological mitigation and Affordable Housing.
* Dealing with appeals before the Planning Inspectorate in relation to appeals following refusal of planning permission, Certificates of Lawfulness and Enforcement Notices, with conduct of appeals by way of written representations, Hearings and Inquiries and, where appropriate, advocacy.
* Regularly instructed in High Court proceedings, including Statutory Challenges (s288 and s289) and Judicial Reviews; instructed to have conduct of matters before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
* Representing Local Authorities in the Magistrates Courts and Crown Court dealing with prosecutions for breaches of planning control.
The Department also provides strategic planning advice for developers and landowners to explore and secure development potential. It also has solicitors advising on nationally significant infrastructure purchase and compulsory purchase matters, with the successful candidate having an option to be involved (particularly in respect of s106 agreements).
What experience do I need?
The successful candidate will have Planning Law experience, potentially with a background in Local Government or private practice, and a keen interest in consolidating or developing a specialism within Planning Law. They will also have a reputation for providing top‑quality advice in a professional but approachable manner.
What skills should I have?
* A background knowledge of planning law
* Excellent communication skills
* A self-motivated and pro-active attitude
* Commercial awareness
* Enjoy networking and building long‑lasting relationships with clients, agents and referrers.
About Us
Holmes & Hills Solicitors is a large regional firm with seven offices across Essex and Suffolk and over 200 legal professionals across several specialist departments. We work in partnership with clients across East Anglia, including businesses, individuals, families and local authorities, to build long‑standing relationships, protect clients’ interests and support growth and development.
Working in partnership with businesses and individuals, our large team of legal experts provides proactive legal services through personal relationships. We act as trusted advisers, taking the time to understand clients’ needs and objectives before delivering practical advice with a personal and accessible approach.
Holmes & Hills Solicitors is independently recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as a leading provider of legal services in the region. These accreditations give clients confidence in the quality of our advice and representation. Our clients range from established and growing businesses and local authorities to families and first-time home buyers.
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