Planning Inspector

Could you shape communities as a Planning Inspector?

The Planning Inspectorate is recruiting experienced professionals to examine local plans that determine where homes are built and how communities grow sustainably across England.

Salary:
Band 2 £ 63,859 | Band 3 £ 77,741

• Home-based role with flexible working patterns
• Part-time contracts available
• 28.97% employer pension contribution
• Comprehensive training programme
• Intellectually challenging, high-impact work

Who we're looking for:
Chartered (or equivalent professional registration) professionals from planning, architecture, surveying, law or related disciplines with significant experience in plan preparation, planning policy or development management.

"I'd need to travel constantly"– You'll work primarily from home, travelling for specific commitments only, like hearing sessions and training events

"I'm not a planner, so I can't apply"– We welcome architects, lawyers, surveyors and other built environment professionals.

"It sounds isolating"– You'll join a supportive community of inspectors with peer networks, mentoring and ongoing training

The Planning Inspectorate plays a key role within the planning system, helping to deliver the government's objectives for sustainable development in a plan-led system. An important component of this is the delivery of local plan and infrastructure casework which helps to achieve the government's economic, social and environmental objectives. Our role is to conduct thorough, independent assessments of local plans, examining whether they are legally compliant and sound in line with national policy.

This independent scrutiny ensures communities have robust planning frameworks that can effectively manage growth and development.

The Planning Inspectorate, as part of the Civil Service, is committed to understanding, respecting and representing as broad a range of views and backgrounds as we have in UK society. We know that diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to an effective, modern Civil Service and Planning Inspectorate. We want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us regardless of background.

Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.

Find out more on our Inspector recruitment site including a recording of a Q and A session with current inspectors.

Closing date for applications Sunday 22 February 2026.