Becoming a planning inspector: What’s stopping you?

The survey is aimed at individuals from a range of professions that are most typically aligned to the role of planning inspector including (but not limited to) town planners, legal professionals, surveyors, architects and civil engineers.

In particular, we would most like to hear from anyone who has previously considered a career as a planning inspector (band 1), for example during a previous recruitment campaign, but decided not to apply.

The research will provide valuable data to help us refine our recruitment strategy so that it is suited to a diverse range of potential candidates.

Take part in the research

Complete the online survey (it takes less than 5 minutes). Survey closes on 20 May 2022.

Your response will be anonymous and will not be used for any other purposes than to inform our attraction and recruitment strategy.

About the planning inspector role

The band 1 planning inspector role is an entry level role, which is a busy and varied one dealing with planning appeals – typically around 3 cases per week.

A planning inspector considers evidence for each appeal and decides whether the proposal is allowed or not. The role involves travel across England to undertake site visits with most of our work in London and the South East. After training, planning inspectors may also undertake more complex casework and hear evidence via hearings and inquiries.

It is predominantly a home-based role which offers a considerable amount of flexibility in how work is scheduled and how you manage your work. Chartered or full membership of a relevant professional body is a mandatory pre-requisite for applying as is willingness to travel frequently.

Starting salary is £41,015 rising to £47,664 after completion of a 12 to 18 month training programme.

For further information about the role: