Senior Legal Officer - Planning (Locum)

Role: Senior Legal Officer - Planning (Locum)
Location: South Yorkshire (Hybrid / Local Authority)
Rate: £50 - £55 per hour
Contract: Interim / Locum until end of April 2026

CRA Consulting is working with a well-established South Yorkshire local authority seeking an experienced Senior Legal Officer (Planning) to provide high-level legal support across a broad and varied public sector workload. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned local government lawyer to step into a senior, visible role, advising on complex planning and highways matters while supporting wider corporate objectives.

The Opportunity

Working under the direction of the Head of Litigation and Regulatory Services, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality legal advice across planning-related matters, supporting officers and elected members alike. The role offers a mix of advisory, drafting, advocacy, and leadership responsibilities, making it ideal for an experienced planning solicitor, barrister, or legal executive seeking a well-remunerated locum assignment.

What you'll be doing

• Providing legal advice across Town and Country Planning, Highway Law (including footpaths), and Compulsory Purchase
• Drafting and advising on:
  • Section 106 agreements
  • Enforcement notices
  • Planning injunctions
  • Reports and court documentation
• Conducting advocacy before Courts, Tribunals, Inquiries, and internal Panels
• Deputising for senior colleagues where required
• Delivering training to legal colleagues, council officers, partners, and elected members
• Managing matters in line with internal policies, procedures, and case management systems

What they're looking for

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with a current practising certificate
• Strong working knowledge of Planning Law within a local authority setting
• Proven advocacy experience
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
• Sound understanding of the local government legislative framework
• Experience working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• A pragmatic, value-driven approach to public sector legal services

What's on offer

• £50 - £55 per hour
• Senior-level, autonomous locum role
• Interesting and varied planning-focused caseload
• Opportunity to work at the heart of a busy local authority legal team
• Hybrid working potential (subject to service needs)

For a confidential discussion or to be considered, contact: Rob Addy, Director - Legal Recruitment, robert.addy@craconsultants.com, 0114 241 8030.

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