Overview In this role you will lead planning and infrastructure cases for Ashfords' Exeter team, handling high-value matters for developers, land promoters, and authorities. You will manage your own caseload while collaborating with partners and other teams on acquisitions, disposals, and contentious planning issues. You'll stay ahead of policy developments and help grow the firm's presence in the planning sector. The position offers a chance to shape major developments and contribute to a sustainable energy future within a supportive, values-driven firm culture.
Compensation / Benefits- wellbeing support
- training and development opportunities
- work-life balance
- Responsible Business programme
- charity fundraising
- diversity and inclusion groups
Responsibilities- Manage own caseload across planning matters and related issues
- Advise on broad planning matters including obligations, CIL, housing, and highways
- Support other teams on property acquisitions and disposals
- Advise on contentious planning matters (enforcement, compulsory purchase, judicial reviews, statutory challenges, appeals)
- Handle high-quality, high-value work with significant responsibility
- Build and maintain strong client relationships and understand their business needs
- Stay up-to-date with latest policy developments affecting the sector
- Contribute to firm growth and cross-office collaboration in planning and energy projects
Key requirements- At least 5 years PQE in planning law
- Strong grounding in planning work with residential development and energy-related cases
- Experience in a national or city firm preferred
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
- Client relationship management capability
- Self-motivated and ambitious with a growth mindset
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams
- strong communication
- relationship-building
- attention to detail
- planning law expertise
- experience with planning obligations and community infrastructure levy
- knowledge of housing and energy development
