We have an excellent opportunity available for a Principal Planning Lawyer to join our proactive Legal Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, permanent basis.

As the Principal Planning Lawyer, you will take a strategic leadership role at the heart of the Council’s planning and development function, acting as the Council’s professional expert and lead legal advisor on all planning-related matters. This is a pivotal position within our Legal Services, combining high-level technical expertise with visible leadership, corporate responsibility and a strong focus on enabling sustainable growth across the borough.

You will be the principal point of contact for planning law, advising members, senior officers and key stakeholders on complex, high-profile and often politically sensitive matters.

Your work will span the full breadth of planning and development activity, including major planning applications, development plan preparation, planning obligations (including section 106 agreements), highways and infrastructure agreements and associated property and regeneration projects, as well as attending committee. You will ensure that robust governance arrangements underpin decision-making and that the Council’s planning powers are exercised lawfully, transparently and in line with best practice.

Wokingham Borough Council is a dynamic and progressive local authority committed to delivering high quality services to our community. It’s an exciting time to join us, you will have the opportunity to work on a range of interesting, high profile and rewarding projects across the borough.

We offer flexible working arrangements, with the option to hybrid work between home and the office in Wokingham, in addition to the necessary in-person meetings based on business needs.

Benefits:

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including: 

⭐Annual Leave – 31 days annual leave (rising to 36 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus bank holidays

⭐Local Government Pension Scheme 

⭐GP Helpline - Available 7 days per week

⭐Employee Assistance Programme - with a 24/7 Your Care confidential helpline

⭐Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines

⭐Free Onsite Gym – Use of a free onsite gym located at Shute End Office, Wokingham

⭐Salary Sacrifice Schemes - Car and Cycle to Work

⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, restaurants & more

⭐Move through Menopause Course

⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more

⭐Learning & Development Opportunities

⭐Employee Networks

⭐And much more!

  Key Responsibilities:

• To be a member of the Legal Services Leadership Team taking a proactive role in ensuring that (i) the Council’s vision, values and objective are met and (ii) the service plan is understood and delivered, both in accordance with the law and best practice.
• Be the professional expert and act as lead advisor for relevant area of expertise within relevant legal team.
  • Lead, manage and motivate the relevant legal team to deliver high performance and lead on the management and strategy of the relevant legal team.
  • Deputise for Head of Legal & Information Governance Services, including advising members and officers in public and private meetings, and reviewing and clearing officer reports and briefing notes to the Senior Leadership Team, the Executive, Committees/Sub-Committees and Council.
  • To attend Council, Executive, committees and other member meetings in person when requested by the Head of Legal & Information Governance Service or Assistant Director – Governance.

Candidate Requirements:

• Qualified Lawyer in England / Wales (Solicitor, Barrister, Legal Executive) with 7 years post qualified experience.
  • Demonstrate expertise in Planning law and practice.
  • Good working knowledge and experience of Highways law.
  • Management, supervision and helping others develop.
  • Good working knowledge and experience of Local Government Law is desirable.
  • Advise Planning and other Committees is desirable.

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. 

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life. 

Click the link below and Apply Today!

Alternatively, to arrange an informal discussion about the role, contact Neil Allen, Head of Legal Services via neil.allen@wokingham.gov.uk. (Strictly no agencies).

Closing date: 5 April 2026 @ 23:00

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.