Interim Planning Solicitor

Employer: West Lancashire Borough Council Salary: £44,075 - £47,181 (pay award pending) Location: Ormskirk / Hybrid, with travel to other locations required We are seeking a skilled and motivated legal professional with experience in Planning and Regulatory law, playing a key role in delivering a high quality, proactive and customer focused legal service to the Council. Reporting to the Principal Solicitor, you will support the delivery of a comprehensive legal service across planning matters, contributing to the Council’s strategic priorities and ensuring that decisions are underpinned by a robust legal framework. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of local government, supporting sustainable development and shaping the communities we serve.

About the Role

• Managing a varied caseload of planning and regulatory matters, including planning applications, enforcement, appeals, inquiries and related litigation
• Providing clear, pragmatic and solution‑focused legal advice on complex planning issues, including development management, policy and interpretation of legislation
• Drafting and advising on planning agreements, including section 106 agreements, unilateral undertakings and related infrastructure arrangements
• Preparing and conducting cases, including advocacy where appropriate, in courts, tribunals and public inquiries or instructing Counsel as required
• Supporting the development of planning policy, including local plans and neighbourhood plans, ensuring legal compliance and best practice
• Attending committees, sub‑committees and working groups, providing timely and accurate legal advice to Members and senior officers
• Contributing to the drafting of bespoke legal documentation and the development of new processes and working practices in evolving areas of law
• Building strong working relationships with internal teams, external partners and stakeholders to deliver coordinated and effective outcomes
• Supporting continuous improvement within the legal service, contributing to a proactive, efficient and high‑performing team

You will play a key role in supporting the Council’s corporate objectives, helping to manage risk, uphold governance standards and ensure lawful and effective delivery of planning services.

What You Will Bring

• Qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with experience in planning law and local government work
• Strong technical knowledge of planning legislation, practice and procedure, including enforcement and planning obligations
• Experience of drafting legal agreements and handling planning‑related proceedings, including advocacy or case preparation
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high‑quality work to deadlines within a complex environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to advise senior officers, Members and external stakeholders
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to provide creative and legally sound solutions
• A proactive, solution‑focused approach with sound judgement and attention to detail
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative and supportive team

You will be driven to deliver excellent outcomes, contribute to continuous improvement and support a culture that is customer‑focused, professional and responsive.