Planning Inspector; Local Plans

Planning Inspector (Local Plans)

• Multiple roles
• Home-based, England (with travel, expenses paid)
• Salary:
  
  Band 2 £ 63,859 | Band 3 £ 77,741
• The Planning Inspectorate
• Contract Type:
  Permanent / Full-time or Part-time
• Flexible Working:
  Yes

Your career has been built on rigorous analysis, sound judgment and clear reasoning. These skills are essential to examining local plans that shape communities across England.

The Planning Inspectorate is recruiting Planning Inspectors for Local Plans– and legal professionals are central to this work.

Salary:

Band 2 £ 63,859 | Band 3 £ 77,741

• Examining local plans for legal compliance and soundness
• Assessing complex evidence from multiple parties
• Conducting examination hearings with councils, developers and communities
• Writing legally robust, well-reasoned reports

• Home-based role with travel (all costs covered)
• Part-time options available (minimum 0.5 FTE)
• 28.97% employer pension contribution
• Comprehensive training in planning policy and procedures
• Intellectually demanding work with genuine public impact

I'm a solicitor/barrister, not a planner – can I apply? Yes. We're specifically seeking chartered legal professionals. Your analytical training and experience with complex statutory frameworks is highly relevant. We provide thorough training in planning-specific procedures.

Is this like tribunal work? There are similarities – you'll chair hearing sessions, manage evidence and reach reasoned conclusions. However, the examination process is more inquisitorial than adversarial, focused on testing whether plans meet legal and policy requirements.

What's the work-life balance like? Inspectors work primarily from home, with travel for hearings and training sessions that are scheduled in advance. Part-time contracts are available, and many inspectors value the autonomy to manage their own workload.

If you're motivated, inquisitive and can confidently manage challenging public events while producing clear, well-reasoned reports to tight deadlines, we want to hear from you.

Find out more PINS – Inspector job campaign | Civil Service Careers

Sunday 22 February 2026.