Recruitment drive for local plan inspectors

13th December 2025

The Planning Inspectorate is recruiting experienced planning professionals to become local plan inspectors. Applications open in early 2026.

Local authorities across England are preparing local plans that will shape their communities for years to come. These plans determine where homes are built, how town centres evolve, and how communities grow sustainably.

The Planning Inspectorate needs experienced planning and built environment professionals to join as inspectors to help meet the increasing demand for local plan examinations.

About the role
Planning inspectors examine local plans, test evidence, and make independent decisions that matter to communities across England. Interim Chief Planning Inspector Rebecca Phillips introduces the opportunity:

The role offers:

intellectually challenging work
flexible, home-based working
comprehensive training and ongoing mentoring
the opportunity to join a diverse community of professionals
competitive salary and employee benefits
Who we're looking for
We're particularly interested in hearing from senior planning professionals with experience in:

local plan preparation or examination
planning policy and strategy
local authority planning
planning consultancy
related professions such as architecture, surveying and law
If you've been involved in local plan examinations, understand the challenges of plan-making, and want to contribute your expertise at a national level, this could be the role for you.

Find out more
Visit the Planning Inspectorate careers site to learn more about the role.
https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/departments/pins-hub/pins-inspector-job-campaign/

You’ll be notified when the application window opens and receive information about upcoming drop-in sessions where you can hear directly from current inspectors as well as ask any questions about the opportunity.