Principal Planning Lawyer

Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £65,819 - £72,057 Per Annum, Plus Benefits
Location: Shute End, Wokingham
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: No
Closing Date: 05/04/2026 at 23:00
Reference: 710518

We have an excellent opportunity available for a Principal Planning Lawyer to join our proactive Legal Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, permanent basis.

As the Principal Planning Lawyer, you will take a strategic leadership role at the heart of the Council’s planning and development function, acting as the Council’s professional expert and lead legal advisor on all planning-related matters. This is a pivotal position within our Legal Services, combining high-level technical expertise with visible leadership, corporate responsibility and a strong focus on enabling sustainable growth across the borough.

You will be the principal point of contact for planning law, advising members, senior officers and key stakeholders on complex, high-profile and often politically sensitive matters.

Your work will span the full breadth of planning and development activity, including major planning applications, development plan preparation, planning obligations (including section 106 agreements), highways and infrastructure agreements and associated property and regeneration projects, as well as attending committee. You will ensure that robust governance arrangements underpin decision-making and that the Council’s planning powers are exercised lawfully, transparently and in line with best practice.

Wokingham Borough Council is a dynamic and progressive local authority committed to delivering high quality services to our community. It’s an exciting time to join us, you will have the opportunity to work on a range of interesting, high profile and rewarding projects across the borough.

We offer flexible working arrangements, with the option to hybrid work between home and the office in Wokingham, in addition to the necessary in-person meetings based on business needs.

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐Annual Leave – 31 days annual leave (rising to 36 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus bank holidays

⭐Employee Assistance Programme- with a 24/7 Your Care confidential helpline

⭐Free Eye TestsandFlu Vaccines

⭐Free Onsite Gym– Use of a free onsite gym located at Shute End Office, Wokingham

⭐Salary Sacrifice Schemes- Car andCycleto Work

⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, restaurants & more

⭐Move through Menopause Course

⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more

⭐And much more!

Key Responsibilities:

• To be a member of the Legal Services Leadership Team taking a proactive role in ensuring that (i) the Council’s vision, values and objective are met and (ii) the service plan is understood and delivered, both in accordance with the law and best practice.
• Be the professional expert and act as lead advisor for relevant area of expertise within relevant legal team.
  • Lead, manage and motivate the relevant legal team to deliver high performance and lead on the management and strategy of the relevant legal team.
  • Deputise for Head of Legal & Information Governance Services, including advising members and officers in public and private meetings, and reviewing and clearing officer reports and briefing notes to the Senior Leadership Team, the Executive, Committees/Sub-Committees and Council.
  • To attend Council, Executive, committees and other member meetings in person when requested by the Head of Legal & Information Governance Service or Assistant Director – Governance.

Candidate Requirements:

• Qualified Lawyer in England / Wales (Solicitor, Barrister, Legal Executive) with 7 years post qualified experience.
  • Demonstrate expertise in Planning law and practice.
  • Good working knowledge and experience of Highways law.
  • Management, supervision and helping others develop.
  • Good working knowledge and experience of Local Government Law is desirable.
  • Advise Planning and other Committees is desirable.

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Click the link below and Apply Today!

Alternatively, to arrange an informal discussion about the role, contact Neil Allen, Head of Legal Services via neil.allen@wokingham.gov.uk . (Strictly no agencies).

Interview date: TBC

Interviews will take place in person at our Offices in Wokingham.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.

How to apply

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

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