Planning and Highways Lawyer
Job Description
Job Title: Planning and Highways Lawyer
Salary: £53,460 – £61,638 per annum (pro rata if part-time)
Grade: G
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
The successful candidate will provide legal advice and support on a wide range of issues varying in complexity but not limited to:
· Highways:
- Provide legal advice on the Highways Act 1980 and related legislation.
- Draft and review enforcement notices, orders (e.g. stopping up orders), and agreements (e.g. Section 38 and Section 278).
- Advise on public rights of way, traffic regulation orders, and highway adoption issues.
- Advise on statutory duties under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.
- Support the LLFA’s role as a statutory consultee on surface water drainage in planning applications
- Draft and negotiate legal agreements related to sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)
- Assist with legal aspects of flood risk management schemes and enforcement under the Land Drainage Act 1991.
· Planning:
- Development control and planning applications
- Planning enforcement and appeals
- Planning policy interpretation and advice
- Infrastructure agreements (e.g., Section 106, CIL)
- Advice on Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans
- Environmental impact assessments and land use consideration
- Planning Committee Role:
- Provide legal advice on procedural matters, declarations of interest, an decision-making risks during Planning Committee meetings
- Public Inquiries and Appeals
· Preparation of legal submissions and representation at planning appeals, including informal hearings and public inquiries. · Lawful Development Certificates, TPO advice, Judicial Reviews, High Court proceedings, governance and other areas of legal practice · Key Legislation: · Town and Country Planning Act 1990 · Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 · Localism Act 2011 · National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
Benefits of Working with Us
At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Staff discounts and local offers
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
DBS Check: Basic level is required for this post.
Important Dates
Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 18th September 2025
Closing Date (Internal & External): 28th September 2025
Interview Date: Week commencing 6th October 2025
Additional Information
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:
Claire Brown - Principal Commercial and Regeneration Lawyer
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:
Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
About us
Why Thurrock?
Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.
Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.
This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.
Our location
Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.
We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.
Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.
Staff benefits
We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.
Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.
We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council
Salary range
- £53,460 - £61,638 per year