What is it really like to become a planning inspector?

As it launches a major recruitment drive for planning inspectors, The Planning Inspectorate asked inspectors to share their thoughts on the role. 

The decision to apply 

Paul Griffiths spent 26 years as an architect before joining the Planning Inspectorate. His path wasn’t a straight line into planning—it rarely is. 

“I trained as an architect,” Paul explains. “Then I worked in an architecture practice, then local authority, then went into consultancy work. I did some expert witness work and found that I really quite enjoyed it. Then I saw the advert for planning inspector and thought, well, that looks interesting.” 

That mix of curiosity and readiness for something new is a common thread. Katie Child, who joined after a career in planning consultancy, describes a similar moment of recognition: “I’d reached a point where I wanted something different—more independence, more variety. When I looked at what inspectors actually do, it matched what I was looking for.” 

The first year 

New inspectors consistently describe the initial period as intensive but well-supported. Training happens in cohorts, creating immediate peer networks. 

“You do your learning and your training together,” Katie recalls. “That group becomes your support network. And when you get your first plan, you’re paired with an experienced inspector who works alongside you. It’s a genuine learning experience.” 

The Inspectorate invests significantly in this transition period. Face-to-face training takes place mainly in Bristol –sometimes other locations – with travel and accommodation covered. The expectation isn’t that new inspectors will know everything immediately—it’s that they will develop expertise through structured support and real casework. 

What the work feels like 

The day-to-day reality often surprises people. Simon Berkeley, a senior planning inspector and professional lead, puts it simply: “The key word is independent. Unlike jobs in other places, you truly are autonomous here. There’s no one at the Planning Inspectorate telling you what decisions to make.” 

This independence comes with responsibility. Inspectors assess complex evidence, chair hearing sessions, and write reports that determine whether local plans can be adopted. Each examination brings different challenges—housing allocations in one area, green belt boundaries in another, heritage constraints elsewhere. 

“These plans are really quite important things,” Simon notes. “And thus so are the decisions that you reach on them.” 

The practical realities 

Beyond the intellectual substance, inspectors highlight practical aspects that matter for quality of life. 

Home-based working and flexibility is genuine. Inspectors travel for hearing sessions and training—typically 20 to 30 days per year—but the rest of the time they work from wherever they are based. All travel and accommodation costs are covered by the organisation. 

Part-time arrangements are actively supported (from 0.5 full time equivalent). The flexibility extends to how working patterns can be structured around examination schedules. 

Is this a ‘job for life’? 

One question prospective applicants often raise: does becoming an inspector mean closing the door on other options? 

Not necessarily. The analytical skills, procedural expertise, and strategic perspective gained through examination work are valued across the sector. Some inspectors return to consultancy or take on sector leadership roles. Others find the work becomes a fulfilling long-term career with clear progression routes—Katie notes that her intake all reached Band 3 within four to five years. However, it’s also true that with planning high on the national agenda there is certainly every reason for new recruits to look to their future in planning with confidence if they choose to stay in the field. In fact PINS reports very high retention rates for its inspectors in local plans. 

Who should consider it?

The Inspectorate welcomes applications from chartered professionals across the built environment. Architecture, surveying, law, transport planning, environmental management—the common thread isn’t a specific qualification but the rigour and judgment developed over 15 to 25 years of professional practice. 

Andrew Megginson, Head of the Local Plans Examination Service, has a message for prospective applicants. “If you’re thinking about it, then explore it. We’d rather help you understand whether it’s right for you than have good candidates talk themselves out of applying.” 

Ready to find out more? Applications for 24 new local plan planning inspector positions are open until 22 February 2026.Band 2 £63,859 / Band 3 £77,741. Visit the Inspector Recruitment site here: PINS – Inspector job campaign | Civil Service Careers 

A recording of the recent recruitment Q&A session is available for anyone wanting to hear directly from serving inspectors.