Senior Planning Lawyer (Environmental) – Bristol – 5+ PQE

Overview

In this role you will lead environmental planning for nationally significant infrastructure projects within a leading national law firm. You will shape EIA strategy, regulate environmental risk and secure outcomes through conditions and s106 agreements, while guiding DCO/NSIP processes and stakeholder engagement. You’ll work closely with a top-tier energy and infrastructure practice and contribute to team growth in a collaborative, wellbeing-focused culture. This is an opportunity to influence major national developments and contribute to sustainable planning outcomes.

Pay / Benefits

• minimum 25 days holiday (option to buy additional days)
• discretionary bonus scheme
• generous pension scheme
• private medical insurance
• biennial private health assessments
• Cycle to Work scheme

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental planning work for nationally significant infrastructure projects
• Advise on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) strategy and documentation
• Review SEA/HRA and manage environmental risk
• Secure environmental outcomes through conditions and s106 agreements (including BNG and nutrient neutrality)
• Shape and support DCO/NSIP applications, examinations and stakeholder engagement
• Manage environmental issues in appeals and Judicial Review proceedings
• Collaborate with the energy/infrastructure practice
• Support the wider team’s growth and development

Key requirements

• 5+ years PQE within a planning or environmental planning team
• Experience advising on large scale infrastructure projects
• Proven experience leading legal reviews of EIAs
• Knowledge of habitat regulations and assessment processes
• Broader experience across consenting regimes such as DCOs, TWAOs, HROs and planning permissions
• Sector experience in transport (rail/light rail) and energy (renewables, transmission) is advantageous
• Confident understanding of the NPPF and current planning reforms
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a national team

• strong communication
• collaborative mindset
• client-focused engagement
• environmental planning
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
• SEA/HRA

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