Planning and Regeneration Lawyer

Role Description The Planning and Regeneration Lawyer will work alongside the Head of Planning Legal Services providing legal advice and support on a wide range of planning, regeneration, and development matters for Breckland Council and its partners. This full or part-time permanent, hybrid remote role, based in Dereham, Norfolk involves drafting, negotiating, and reviewing legal documents such as Section 106 agreements, development agreements, and planning obligations and some transactional property work. The role includes advising planning officers, regeneration teams, and elected members on legal aspects of planning applications, local plans, enforcement and infrastructure projects. The lawyer will manage a varied caseload, attend committees and meetings and support consultations to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and best practice. The role also involves working collaboratively with internal stakeholders, external partners, and developers to facilitate sustainable development and regeneration across the district. Company Description Breckland Council is a local government authority serving a central district in Norfolk, England, covering approximately 1,300 square kilometers and including the towns of Attleborough, Dereham, Swaffham, Thetford, and Watton. The district benefits from strong transport links, including the A11 and A47 trunk roads and direct rail connections from Attleborough and Thetford to Norwich and Cambridge. Breckland is an important economic gateway to Norfolk, with key employment sectors such as manufacturing, retail, health, business administration, and education. The area has a high economic activity rate and a diverse mix of local units, including construction, retail, and professional, scientific, and technical services. Breckland Council provides comprehensive support to businesses and communities, offering planning advice, land and premises guidance, and connections to local developers to promote sustainable growth across the district. Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister, or chartered legal executive with a current practicing certificate, ideally with experience in planning and/or property and regeneration law.
• Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, planning policy, regeneration frameworks, and local government procedures is desirable.
• Experience drafting and negotiating planning and development-related agreements (e.g., Section 106 agreements, development and infrastructure agreements) or property agreements.
• Proven ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritize work effectively, and meet deadlines in a legal or similar environment.
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide clear, practical legal advice to non-law specialists.
• High level of written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, committee papers, and briefing notes.
• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with planning teams, regeneration officers, elected members, and external partners.
• Commitment to ethical practice, equality, diversity and inclusion. Salary: Grade 7 - £37,519 to £44,760, full or part time with a minimum of 3 days a week. All applications must be submitted via the Council's website at www.breckland.gov.uk/careers/vacancies. Applications via LinkedIn will not be considered. Please contact nikki.fonseka@breckland.gov.uk for more information.