Planning Associate 1-5 PQE - Southampton

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Planning Associate (1-5 PQE) to join a market-leading national Planning team. You will be advising a diverse client base across housebuilding, retail, investment, energy, and infrastructure sectors, working on a variety of complex and high-profile matters.

The Role

You will play a key role in delivering expert advice on both contentious and non-contentious planning matters, including:

• Drafting and negotiating complex Section 106 and infrastructure agreements.
• Advising on compulsory purchase orders, judicial review, and highways law.
• Handling footpath and highway closures, village green issues, and development strategy.
• Supporting clients on planning aspects of large-scale residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects.
• Involvement in business development initiatives and client relationship management.

About You

We are looking for a solicitor who is:

• Qualified in England & Wales with 1-5 years' PQE in planning law.
• Skilled in advising on a broad range of planning issues, ideally including Section 106 work and judicial review.
• Commercially focused with strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Confident in managing a varied caseload with appropriate support and supervision.
• A proactive team player, keen to contribute to the growth of a nationally recognised practice.

Why Join?

• Opportunity to work with a highly regarded, industry-recognised planning team.
• Exposure to top-tier planning work for high-profile clients.
• National team structure offering collaboration and career progression.
• Competitive salary and bonus scheme.
• Excellent benefits package including private healthcare, pension, enhanced leave, and wellbeing support.
• A supportive, inclusive culture with hybrid working arrangements.

📞 Interested in exploring this opportunity? For a confidential discussion, contact Stephanie Richardson at Henderson Scott on [phone removed].