Planning Solicitor

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 roles that we are recruiting for would suit candidates with all levels of Planning Law experience. The candidates may be specialist Planning solicitors, or Property solicitors dealing with an element of Planning Law matters in their case load, or a transactional lawyer with an interest in planning law and who may be looking for a change of focus.

In the role you will work as part of a specialist team assisting the firm's wide variety of clients and professional referrers in relation to primarily the following areas of planning law:

• S106, s38 and s272 agreements and other planning agreements;


• Acting for and advising clients on commercial, residential or mixed-use projects at application stage but also at appeal;


• Along with Commercial Property colleagues, acting for land-owners and consortiums on option, promotion and/or collaboration agreements in addition to the acquisition or sale of development sites.


Initially the role will involve dealing with specific stand-alone planning matters for clients, such as s106 agreements, but also assisting other fee earners with the planning aspects of more complex matters.
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.

The day to day
The Planning Law Department deal with a broad spectrum of planning and development related matters. Acting for Developers, Landowners, Local Planning Authorities and Individuals. The department are:

• 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.


• 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.


• Representing Local Authorities in the Magistrates Courts and Crown Court dealing with prosecutions for breaches of planning control.


The Department also provide strategic planning advice for developers and landowners in exploring, and securing, development potential. The Department also has solicitors advising upon nationally significant infrastructure purchase and compulsory purchase matters which the successful candidate will have an option to be involved in (pertinently in respect of s106 agreements).
What experience do I need?
The successful candidate(s) will have Planning Law experience, potentially having a background working in Local Government or private practice, and have a keen interest in either consolidating or developing a specialism within Planning Law.
The successful candidate will also have a reputation for providing top-quality advice in a professional but approachable manner.


• A background knowledge of planning law


• Excellent communication skills


• Self-motivated and pro-active


• Commercially aware


• Enjoy networking and building long-lasting relationships with clients, agents and referrers
  
  Holmes & Hills Solicitors is a large regional firm of solicitors with seven offices across Essex and Suffolk and over 200 legal professionals across a number of specialist departments. Holmes & Hills works in partnership with clients across East Anglia, including businesses, individuals, families and local authorities, to build long standing relationships, protect clients' interests and support clients' growth and development.


Working in partnership with businesses and individuals

Holmes & Hills' large team of legal experts work in partnership with individuals and organisations to provide them with truly proactive legal services through personal relationships. Acting as a trusted advisor to clients, we take the time to understand clients' needs and objectives before delivering practical advice through a personal and accessible approach., Holmes & Hills Solicitors opened its sixth and largest office, a new regional head office providing a base for the firm's growing teams of commercial solicitors, professional support staff and central operational functions in late 2020.

Providing over 14,000 sq ft of modern and agile working and meeting space, the A12 Commercial Hub, as the building will be named, is to provide clients, colleagues and professional contacts a convenient modern and comfortable space to meet and work. The A12 Commercial Hub is located a short walk from Marks Tey train station and situated at Junction 25 of the A12, with ample parking.

Independently recognised as a leading law firm

Holmes & Hills Solicitors is independently recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners - two independent directories of the UK's top law firms - as being a leading supplier of legal services in the region.

These accreditations give our clients the confidence that the legal advice and representation they receive from Holmes & Hills is some of the best available.

Our clients range from established and growing businesses whose brands are recognised and sold around the world and local authorities across the region, through to families and first-time home buyers.