Overview
No two days in Torbay are ever the same!
Torbay is breath-taking, captivating, and welcoming, occupying a prime position on the south coast of Devon. Currently experiencing unprecedented levels of investment and the council’s own ambitious transformation programme have given Torbay the opportunity to capitalise on the area’s profile and many assets. As a small unitary authority, you’ll discover Torbay is a place where you can make things happen quickly. We have real momentum building, fuelled by a shared sense of purpose and ambition – which is clearly evident by our recent success in being awarded the “Most Improved Council” at last year’s LGC Awards. We want Torbay and its residents to thrive and are committed to making a difference in our community, delivering high quality services to local people.
Job Title: Planning Lawyer
Department: Corporate Services
Location: Torbay Council
Compensation: £39,152 - £41,771 / year
Application Deadline: 15 October 2025
Description and Person Specification: No two days will be the same. We are seeking a Planning Lawyer to join our Legal Services Team to support key agendas relevant to the investment and prosperity of Torbay, its residents, businesses and wider communities.
Responsibilities
Undertaking the role of a Lawyer, you will be a suitably qualified professional across either the public or private sector, excited by a fast-paced and varied planning caseload, conscientious, professionally curious and a role model to other team members. In return, you will join a supportive and rewarding organisation and team, whereby your talent will be valued and actively developed. At Torbay Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from our people, and we are excited for you to join us. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work for an employer that is in a great period of change and sees legal services as not simply a support function, but an enabler in the pursuit of their ambitious transformation journey. We also understand the importance of an effective work-life balance, therefore offer an enviable hybrid working approach. This is managed effectively around the need to attend essential meetings and/or make court appearances in line with the remit of the role.
Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 20 October 2025. Our adverts do sometimes close early – even where there’s a published deadline – so if you’re keen, please apply as soon as possible.
What we offer
* A generous salary.
* 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service.
* A Career Average Re-Valued Earnings (CARE) pension scheme through Peninsula Pensions.
* A great working environment with flexible hours.
* Family friendly policies.
* A wide range of lifestyle discounts and health and wellbeing benefits.
* Learning and development opportunities.
* A supportive management and team structure.
How to apply and contact
For an informal chat please contact Ian Goldsmith on 01803 207157 or ian.goldsmith@torbay.gov.uk.
If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the URL into your browser: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/lawyer-planning/
Requirements
Skills
* Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to give clear and accurate legal advice.
Knowledge
* A developing knowledge of the law and procedures within the specialist discipline.
* A general awareness of the policies, aims and objectives of the Council.
Experience & Qualifications
* Suitable training as a legal advisor.
* Experience of working within a legal environment.
Note: The Immigration Act 2016 (part 7) requirement is stated in the original job description, including the ability to converse at ease with members of the public in accurate spoken English. This note has been preserved in content but not required to be separately highlighted in tags beyond the included lists.
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