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- Tasks: Examine local plans, assess site allocations, and write independent reports.
- Company: Join the Planning Inspectorate, shaping sustainable development across England.
- Benefits: Flexible home-based role, competitive salary, and generous pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on housing delivery and community planning.
- Qualifications: RICS chartered status and surveying expertise required.
- Other info: Enjoy significant autonomy and opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 63859 - 77741 £ per year.
Location: Home-based, with travel
Salary: Band 2 starting at £63,859 | Band 3 starting at £77,741
Closing date: 22 February 2026
Reference: 446557
Sector: Government
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time or Part Time
Specialism: Planning and Development
Business type: Government
Application type: Employer site
Job details
Valuation expertise, strategic impact. Your career has given you deep understanding of land, property and development viability. These skills are essential to examining local plans that allocate sites and shape housing delivery across England. The Planning Inspectorate is recruiting Local Plan Planning Inspectors – and your surveying expertise is directly relevant.
Why your background matters
Local plans must be deliverable. Your understanding of land values, development economics, site constraints and infrastructure requirements brings essential rigour to assessments of whether housing allocations and policies are realistic.
What the role involves
- Examining local plans for soundness and legal compliance
- Assessing site allocations, viability evidence and infrastructure requirements
- Conducting hearing sessions with councils, developers and landowners
- Writing independent reports on plan soundness
What we offer
- Home-based role with genuine flexibility
- Part-time contracts available (minimum 0.5 FTE)
- 28.97% employer pension contribution
- Full training in planning law and examination procedures
- Strategic work that shapes development across whole areas
Common questions:
“I work in commercial property – is my experience relevant?” Very much so. Understanding how development decisions are made, what makes sites viable, and how markets respond to policy gives you insight many planners lack. We train you in the procedural aspects.
“Would I need to retrain as a planner?” No. Your RICS chartered status qualifies you to apply. We provide full training in planning procedures and examination processes – your surveying expertise is the foundation we build on.
“How much autonomy would I have?” Significant autonomy. Inspectors manage their own caseloads, work from home, and reach independent conclusions. You'll have support and quality assurance, but the judgment is yours.
Ready for a new challenge? 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 here. Closing date for applications Sunday 22 February 2026.
About the Planning Inspectorate
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.
Planning Inspector (multiple roles) in Manchester employer: Planning Inspectorate
Contact Detail:
Planning Inspectorate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Inspector (multiple roles) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the planning and development sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on a Planning Inspector role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local plans and development viability. Be ready to discuss how your surveying expertise can contribute to sound assessments. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, highlight specific projects where you’ve assessed site allocations or navigated complex planning issues. This will demonstrate your capability and relevance to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Inspector (multiple roles) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in land, property, and development viability. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of a Planning Inspector, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and motivations.
Show Your Passion for Planning: Let your enthusiasm for planning and development shine through in your application. We’re looking for motivated individuals who are eager to contribute to sustainable development, so share what excites you about this field!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Planning Inspectorate
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of land values, development economics, and local planning policies. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the core responsibilities of a Planning Inspector.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Think about potential case studies or examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to assess site allocations and viability evidence. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific challenges in the role.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As a Planning Inspector, you'll need to conduct hearings and write reports. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery.
✨Show Your Autonomy
Highlight your ability to manage your own caseload and make independent decisions. Share examples from your previous roles where you successfully worked autonomously and reached sound conclusions under pressure.
