Rising government demands lead to planning push
The Planning Inspectorate will launch a recruitment drive for extra inspectors in the new year, hot on the heels of government moves to hurry through local plan reviews.
Earlier this month, government housing minister Matthew Pennycook announced updated procedures intended to speed up the adoption of local plans, local authority frameworks intended to shape the future direction of development in a local area.
Pennycook is hoping the streamlined new processes will lead to a boost in planning efficiency as more local authorities adopt finalised local plans. Currently, fewer than a third of councils have done so.
Around £48m was also set aside in last month’s budget announcement for the hiring of an additional 350 planning officers, intended to boost capacity in local authority departments.
In an advert posted this week, the government says “increasing demand for local plan examinations” will mean it needs to hire more inspectors, with the government’s new processes due to kick in later next year.
The Planning Inspectorate says it’s still “finalising the job specification” for the role – but is asking candidates to register their interest via an online form, ahead of an application window opening up in 2026.
“Right now, 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,” said Rebecca Phillips, the Planning Inspectorate’s interim chief planning inspector.
“The Planning Inspectorate needs experienced planning and built environment professionals to join as inspectors to help us meet the increasing demand for local plan examinations.
“If you’re a senior planner, or built environment professional working in consultancy, in the public sector, or in a related field like engineering, law, surveying or architecture and you have substantial planning experience I’d encourage you to consider this opportunity.”
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