Planning Solicitor

The Planning Solicitor role

We are looking for a Planning Law Solicitor to join our highly regarded specialist planning team recognised by Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and The Planner for its planning expertise.

The Planning Law Team deal with a broad spectrum of planning and development related matters. Acting for Developers, landowners, Local Planning Authorities and individuals from providing strategic planning advice, the preparation and successful completion of s106 Agreements, Planning Appeals, Statutory Challenges and Judicial Reviews in the High Court and dealing with contentious planning matters, including prosecutions for non-compliance with Enforcement Notices.

In this role you will works as part of a specialist team assisting the firm’s wide variety of clients and professional referrers in pursuit of all things planning. You will provide expert and specialist advice and pursue the client’s best interests.

You will also build strong relationships with the firm’s existing client base, play a key role in helping expand our professional network and to promote and market the team and the wider firm.

The day to day

• Regularly instructed in High Court proceedings, including Statutory Challenges (s288 and s289) and Judicial Reviews. We are also instructed to have conduct of matters before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
• 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. Securing 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. We have conduct of appeals by way of written representations, Hearings and Inquiries and, where appropriate, provide the advocacy.
• Representing Local Authorities in the Magistrates Courts and Crown Court dealing with prosecutions for breaches of planning control.
• Providing strategic planning advice for developers and landowners and working with our professional network as a trusted advisor on much matters. Providing legal advice in relation to  Permitted Development Rights, Article 4 Directions, CIL and planning enforcement advice.

What experience do I need?

Having gained a broad experience in Planning Law, the successful candidate may have a background working in Local Government and will have developed a specialism within Planning Law establishing a reputation amongst clients and professional referrers for that specialism.

About the company

Holmes & Hills Solicitors is a large and growing regional law firm with its heart in East Anglia. From six offices across Essex and Suffolk - including the brand new 14,000 sq ft A12 Commercial Hub at J25 of the A12 - our 140 legal industry professionals work in partnership with clients to provide truly proactive legal services through personal relationships.

Acting as a trusted advisor to individuals, businesses and local authorities, the solicitors and support staff at Holmes & Hills take the time to understand clients’ objectives before delivering practical advice through a personal and accessible approach.

What are we offering?

Employees are also able to benefit from a great remuneration package and a number of additional benefits including access to an employee assistance programme, virtual GP access 24/7, death in service, a retail discount platform and optional medical insurance policies at group discount rates*

Apply Today

We apologise, but due to the volume of applications we are currently receiving, we may not always be able to respond to unsuccessful applicants.

*Effective as of 1st July 2021.