Planning Associate

Associate - Real Estate Planning

We are seeking an experienced Associate to join our Real Estate Planning team.

This role offers the opportunity to work on a broad range of projects, including major developments, nationally significant infrastructure, and regeneration schemes involving compulsory purchase. You will be part of a collaborative team that values professional growth, knowledge sharing, and career development in a supportive environment.

We offer flexibility on location, with the role open to candidates based in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, or Newcastle, along with a hybrid working arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft and review planning-related legal agreements for developers, lenders, and public sector clients.

• Conduct legal research and analysis on planning law and related matters.

• Support the team in the promotion of Development Consent Orders (DCOs), Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs), and Planning Appeals.

• Work with real estate colleagues to undertake planning due diligence.

• Provide clear, practical advice to clients on planning regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Stay up to date with developments in planning law and policy.

• Prioritise and manage workloads effectively to deliver excellent client service while meeting deadlines.

About You

• Qualified solicitor with strong experience in projects, regeneration, development, and/or infrastructure.

• Skilled in drafting and reviewing a wide range of planning agreements and legal documents.

• Confident advising on compulsory purchase compensation, judicial reviews, and legal challenges.

• Experience in supporting the promotion of DCOs and CPOs.

• Capable of conducting planning due diligence for acquisitions and financings, as well as handling planning enforcement matters.

• Knowledge of statutory undertaker permitted development rights for utilities and telecommunications.

• Strong legal analysis, drafting, and communication skills.

• Proactive in business development and building strong client relationships.