Principal Lawyer - Planning and Highways

Overview

We adopt a ‘name blind’ approach to shortlisting. Recruiting managers will not have access to personal information, including your name and contact details, until a shortlisting decision has been made - please note that this also includes any CV uploaded. Equality monitoring information is not accessible by recruiting managers at any stage.

Kirklees

Public Health and Corporate Resources

Governance & Commissioning

37

1

Huddersfield and surrounding areas

Permanent

Grade 14 - 15

£51,356 to £56,494 + £3000 Market Rate Supplement

Do you want to make a difference to local people?

As one of the largest legal practices in the area, our dedicated Legal Service teams strive to get the best outcomes for people in Kirklees.

The Planning and Highways team handle a wide range of planning, highways, rights of way and environmental matters supporting our ambition for a green, sustainable and prosperous Kirklees.

You will be one of the lead lawyers in the team providing advice to officers and elected members. Examples of matters you will deal with include s106 and 278 agreements, complex and routine planning and highways advice, public enquiries, advice on planning enforcement and public law.

If you are ambitious to develop your knowledge in this specialist area and be supported to develop your management and leadership skills this is the job for you.

You will be a qualified Solicitor holding a current practising certificate, Barrister or a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives. You will have substantial recent experience at a senior level of planning law and practice and experience or the aptitude to develop in highways law, public rights of way and local government law.

Kirklees Council offers these benefits to all its employees:

• 27.5 days annual leave increasing to 32.5 after 5 years’ service (plus bank holidays).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Travel and parking discounts
• Exceptional Maternity and Paternity leave policies
• Local Government Pension
• Access to Employee Healthcare that offers a range of services from counselling to physiotherapy and health assessments.
• Hybrid working

Learn more about .

If you would like to have an informal discussion about this role, please telephone John Chapman Head of Legal Services .

John Chapman is the manager for this role, please contact them on for an informal discussion, or if you need any more information.

We know there’s a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. So, if you need any support completing an application form, or any other format for the application or Job Description please contact the Recruitment Team for help by email: or phone: and ask for ‘Recruitment’.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

15 February 2026, 11:55 PM