The Planning Inspectorate is inviting applications from chartered professionals in the built environment and related fields to join as local plan inspectors, with submissions open until 22 February 2026. This recruitment drive is one of the largest in recent years and comes at a pivotal moment for planning in England, as local plans play a central role in guiding community development over the next 10 to 15 years, covering housing, employment, infrastructure, and environmental protection.
Local plan inspectors independently examine these plans to ensure they meet legal requirements and tests of soundness before adoption. Inspectors assess complex evidence and make recommendations that directly shape the places where people live and work. The role offers the opportunity to influence strategic development across England, work on varied and complex casework, and benefit from flexible, predominantly home-based working arrangements with national travel requirements.
The Planning Inspectorate is recruiting at Band 2 and Band 3 levels and seeks professionals with experience in local plan preparation or examination, planning policy, strategy, consultancy, or related chartered professions such as architecture, surveying, and law. Candidates with expertise in plan-making challenges who wish to contribute at a national level are particularly encouraged to apply.
The recruitment coincides with government priorities on planning reform, including delivering 1.5 million homes and reforming the planning system to support economic growth and infrastructure development. With a significant anticipated increase in local plan submissions, inspectors’ expertise is vital in ensuring effective examination and providing communities with clarity on future development.
Joining the Planning Inspectorate offers a unique opportunity to shape England’s planning reforms during a period of unprecedented investment in housing and infrastructure. Inspectors benefit from strong career development, comprehensive training, networking opportunities, flexible home-based working, competitive salaries (£63,859 for Band 2 and £77,741 for Band 3), part-time options, a 28.97% pension contribution, and 25–30 days of annual leave.
Applicants can learn more by joining a virtual drop-in session on 3 February 2026, which will include insights from current inspectors and guidance on the application process. Interviews are scheduled from 9 to 27 March 2026, providing a structured timeline for prospective candidates to engage with the opportunity and apply.
