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- Tasks: Shape communities by assessing local plans and conducting hearings with councils and developers.
- Company: Join the Planning Inspectorate, a key player in sustainable development.
- Benefits: Flexible home-based role, part-time options, and comprehensive training provided.
- Why this job: Use your design expertise to make a real impact on community planning.
- Qualifications: RIBA chartered status and experience in evaluating designs and spatial relationships.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive work environment with opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 65000 £ per year.
Could your next role be as a Planning Inspector? Your career has been shaped by understanding how buildings, spaces and places work together. Now bring that expertise to decisions that shape entire communities. The Planning Inspectorate is recruiting planning inspectors for local plans - and your architectural perspective is exactly what we need.
Salary: Band 2 £63,859 | Band 3 £77,741
Why your background matters: Local plans determine far more than housing numbers. They shape the quality of places – the relationship between buildings, streets and green spaces; how development responds to context; whether communities feel coherent or fragmented. Your trained eye for design quality, spatial relationships and placemaking brings critical expertise to these assessments.
What the role involves:
- Examining whether local plans are sound and legally compliant
- Assessing design policies, site allocations and spatial strategies
- Conducting hearing sessions with councils, developers and communities
- Writing independent reports that shape how places develop
What we offer:
- Home-based role with genuine flexibility
- Part-time options available (minimum 0.5 FTE)
- 28.97% employer pension contribution
- Comprehensive training in planning law and procedures
- Work that connects design thinking to real community outcomes
Addressing your questions:
Would I need to retrain as a planner? No. Your RIBA chartered status qualifies you to apply. We provide full training in planning procedures and examination processes – your design expertise is the foundation we build on.
I’ve spent years in practice – would that experience transfer? Absolutely. Your experience evaluating schemes, understanding site constraints, and thinking spatially is directly relevant. Many inspectors find their previous professional lens enriches their assessment work.
What about the travel? Most of your work happens from home – reading submissions, analysing evidence, writing reports. You travel for hearing sessions and training, but these are scheduled in advance and we support flexible arrangements and cover the cost of your work-based travel.
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) employer: RIBA Journal
Contact Detail:
RIBA Journal Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Inspector (multiple roles)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the planning and architecture fields. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or even hiring managers. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work related to design quality and spatial relationships. When you get the chance to chat with someone from the Planning Inspectorate, having tangible examples of your skills can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! If you’re invited for an interview, rehearse common questions related to planning law and procedures. Think about how your architectural background can contribute to the role of a Planning Inspector. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the roles and the fantastic benefits we offer at the Planning Inspectorate.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Inspector (multiple roles)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Expertise: Make sure to highlight your architectural background and how it relates to planning. We want to see how your experience shapes your understanding of spaces and communities, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for the Planning Inspector role. We love seeing how your skills align with our needs, so mention specific experiences that relate to assessing design policies and spatial strategies.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make your points easy to understand. This will help us see your thought process and how you approach complex issues.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our dedicated inspector recruitment hub! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can get back to you quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at RIBA Journal
✨Know Your Planning Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of planning law and procedures. Familiarise yourself with the key principles that underpin local plans, as well as the specific policies relevant to the role. This will not only show your commitment but also help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Design Expertise
Prepare to discuss how your architectural background informs your perspective on spatial relationships and placemaking. Be ready to provide examples from your experience where your design insights have positively impacted community outcomes.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As a Planning Inspector, you'll need to conduct hearing sessions and write reports. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider mock interviews or discussions with peers to refine your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Research the Planning Inspectorate's role in shaping communities and sustainable development. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these goals and why this position aligns with your career aspirations. Showing genuine interest in the impact of your work will set you apart.
