Planning Solicitor

Planning Solicitor (1–7 PQE)
Location: Newcastle (Leading National Firm)
Salary: Competitive + Benefits (Enquire with us)

Sacco Mann is working with a highly regarded, independent UK Top 100 law firm to recruit a Planning Solicitor with between 1–7 years’ PQE to join their established Planning team in either Newcastle.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a high-performing and collaborative team, supporting Partners and Senior Associates on a broad range of complex and high-profile planning matters for a diverse client base.

The Role

You will work as part of a busy and well-established Planning team advising a wide range of clients including housebuilders, registered providers, landowners, developers, local authorities, statutory bodies and national organisations.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Drafting, reviewing and negotiating Section 106 agreements and other planning agreements
  • Advising on planning strategy, permissions, conditions and wider planning law matters
  • Supporting large-scale, high-value and complex development and infrastructure projects
  • Advising on Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) matters
  • Working on compulsory purchase matters, development consent orders and infrastructure projects
  • Handling planning enforcement issues, certificates of lawfulness and judicial review proceedings
  • Advising on highways and public rights of way matters, including stopping up and diversion orders
  • Assisting with planning-related hearings, inquiries, committees and magistrates’ court advocacy where required
  • Supporting business development initiatives and client relationship management

Candidate Requirements

We are seeking a qualified Solicitor with:

  • Minimum 1 year PQE within a planning law role
  • Strong technical knowledge across a broad range of planning matters
  • Experience working on S106 agreements and development-related planning work
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organisational ability with effective workload prioritisation
  • A proactive, commercial and detail-focused approach
  • Confidence working independently and collaboratively within a team
  • Good IT and file management skills

The Firm

The firm is a leading independent UK Top 100 practice with a strong national reputation across a number of key sectors including the built environment, healthcare, public sector and private client work.

With a team of over 500 professionals across multiple UK offices, they offer a modern, collaborative and supportive working environment where development and progression are actively encouraged.

The culture is inclusive and people-focused, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing, diversity and inclusion. The firm has been recognised for its commitment to employee engagement and workplace culture through multiple external accreditations.

What’s on Offer

  • High-quality planning work with leading sector clients
  • Exposure to complex and high-profile development projects
  • Strong partner-led training and career development
  • Hybrid and flexible working options
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
  • A supportive, inclusive and collaborative team culture

If this is of interest, please feel free to submit your CV. We never send CVs to clients without your prior consent — I’ll always arrange a call first to discuss the role in detail and ensure it’s the right fit for you.

Contact: anna.thompson@saccomann.com / 0113 547 8450