About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Shared Legal Services Team supporting both Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council.
As Senior Planning Lawyer, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality legal advice and support across a broad range of planning matters. You will work closely with officers, members and colleagues to help deliver the councils' priorities while managing a varied and interesting caseload.
The role includes advising on planning applications, enforcement matters, planning appeals, planning obligations, judicial review challenges and other matters relating to the councils' planning functions. You will also attend and advise Planning Committees and provide support and mentoring to junior members of the team.
Approximately 90% of your time will be spent undertaking casework, with the remaining 10% focused on supporting the management and development of the team.
It is anticipated that approximately 90% of the postholders time will be spent undertaking casework and 10% spent providing management and support to other team members.
About you
You will have:
- Significant experience of planning law and practice.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Experience of advising committees, members and senior officers.
- The ability to manage a varied caseload and work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
Local government experience is desirable, although applications from candidates with relevant transferable experience will be considered.
Ready to join us?
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact James Tong, (Principal Lawyer -Planning) on 01483 523083 or Michael Elford (Legal Services Manager) on 01483523019
Closing date for applications is 9:00am on Monday 17th August 2026 and we expect interviews to be held on the 31st August in Guildford.
To apply please visit - Current Vacancies | Jobs at Waverley | Services | Waverley Borough Council
Equality and Inclusion Statement
The district is home to many different people, and we want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – we are a Disability Confident employer and appoint on merit. You can find out more about this scheme and check your eligibility here - Working at Waverley Borough Council | Waverley Borough Council
We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from serving or ex-members of the armed forces and their partners. We offer an interview scheme for serving and ex-military forces members when they meet the essential criteria for the role. You can find out more about this scheme and check your eligibility here - Working at Waverley Borough Council | Waverley Borough Council
Please note we do not accept applications after the stated closing time.
Right to work in the UK will be checked as part of the interview process.
Information -
We understand that some applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with preparing their applications.
All submitted information, whether supported by AI or not, must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience, and qualifications.
Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.
