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

Overview

As Senior Planning Lawyer (Environmental) you will lead environmental planning for nationally significant infrastructure, advising on EIA strategy and risk management. You’ll shape DCO/NSIP processes and engage stakeholders to secure environmental outcomes. You work within a renowned Real Estate Planning team, collaborating with energy and infrastructure specialists to support major developments. This role offers a hybrid Bristol-based position with growth opportunities and a focus on sustainability and responsible project delivery.

Pay / Benefits

• Minimum 25 days holiday (with option to buy additional days)
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Generous pension scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Biennial private health assessments
• Life assurance

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 energy and 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) advantageous
• Confident understanding of the NPPF and current planning reforms
• Strong communication skills and collaborative work style

• strong communication skills
• collaborative within a national team
• environmental planning
• EIA strategy
• SEA/HRA
• DCO/NSIP

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