Band 1 Planning Inspectors (The Planning Inspectorate)

...while still delivering high‑quality decisions. If you are motivated, self‑reliant and ready to make a meaningful impact on planning and development across England, this role offers the opportunity to do...

Band 1 Planning Inspectors – The Planning Inspectorate

 Working hours:

Standard working week is 37 hours,

Part time at 17.5 hours or above, flexible working hours policy avaliable

 The Role

 Shape the future of planning while enjoying flexibility and variety in your work.

As a Band 1 Planning Inspector, you’ll play a crucial role at the heart of England’s planning system, making fair, evidence‑based decisions that influence how towns, cities and landscapes evolve. The role calls for professional expertise, independent judgement and a commitment to public service, blending autonomy with support and structure with flexibility.

This is a position for someone who thrives on analytical challenge, values independence and enjoys work that extends beyond the desk. You’ll review complex evidence, visit sites across England, engage with a wide range of people and write clear, authoritative decisions that shape real outcomes for communities.

Inspectors work primarily from home, with the flexibility to organise their time around site visits, hearings and deadlines. This allows you to balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments, structuring your day in a way that works for you while still delivering high‑quality decisions.

If you are motivated, self‑reliant and ready to make a meaningful impact on planning and development across England, this role offers the opportunity to do work that matters — supported by high‑quality training, expert colleagues and a respected, independent organisation.

 Job description

 Lead planning appeals, primarily through written representations, ensuring each case is assessed impartially, thoroughly and in line with required standards and timescales.

Conduct site visits across England, putting written evidence into context and engaging with appellants, local authorities and interested parties where appropriate.

Hold public hearings (following training), guiding discussions with confidence, fairness and clarity.

Write clear, authoritative decisions, drawing on complex evidence, policy and legislation to reach balanced, well‑reasoned outcomes.

Demonstrate professional integrity, acting in line with the Inspectorate’s core values of openness, fairness, impartiality and customer focus.

Contribute to wider organisational work, supporting continuous improvement, operational delivery and the development of best practice.

Maintain and develop professional expertise, keeping up to date with policy and legislative changes and engaging in high‑quality training and learning.

Collaborate with colleagues, seeking advice when needed and contributing to a culture of shared learning and professional excellence.

Essential Criteria

  • Full / Chartered Membership of a professional body* relevant to land‑use planning, built environment or natural environment work undertaken by Planning Inspectors.
  • Ability to analyse and recall large volumes of information, evidence and argument; to interpret and apply policies; and to identify quickly the main issues requiring consideration.
  • Ability to write clearly, accurately and concisely, producing logical, convincing, well-reasoned and evidence-based conclusions.
  • Self-motivation and self-reliance, with the ability to plan, manage and deliver work with minimal oversight.
  • Effective time management skills, enabling the production of high-quality decisions within expected timescales.
  • Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact sensitively and empathetically with a diverse range of people.
  • Ability to conduct fair and inclusive public events, demonstrating authority while engaging constructively with individuals holding conflicting views about development proposals.
  • Willingness and ability to travel extensively and frequently across England (particularly to and within London and the south east), including some nights spent away from home.

Benefits

Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

25 days annual leave increasing by 1 day per year up to 30 days after 5 years, plus 1 privilege day to mark the King’s birthday.

 

How to apply –  https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/departments/pins-hub/

Q&A Session: 6 March 2026   Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

Shortlist Date: 27 March 2026

Interview Date: 13 April – 22 April 2026