Press Releases and Notices
Good Practice Advice Note 16/2010: Submitting Planning Obligations
22 February 2010
The Planning Inspectorate has written Good Practice Advice Note 16/2010: Submitting Planning Obligations which gives guidance to those submitting planning obligations in connection with planning appeals and with planning applications called in for determination by the Secretary of State. Further details >>
Customer Service Opening Times during the Christmas period
For details of how to contact us and information on frequently asked questions please see our Customer Services page
Wanting to broaden your experience in planning? Looking for a new challenge?
16 October 2009
This is your chance to be at the cutting edge of the new planning system working for the biggest employer of professional planners in the country.
Job Vacancy - Planning Officer - Vacancy now closed
Rights of Way
02 October 2009
Appendix 2 of Advice Note 9 has been amended to include a definition of a 'Local Authority' for the purposes of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
Centenary Essay Writing Competition
01 October 2009
The Inspectorate is currently celebrating its centenary and is looking forward to another 100 years of positive planning. Part of looking forward is seeking the views/thoughts/opinions of those who will be responsible for moving the planning system forward into the next 100 years. What is the competition? - Now Closed
Rights of Way
22 September 2009
Public Advice Notes 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 16 and 20 have been updated
Local Development Frameworks - New 'Learning from Experience' Publications
08 September 2009
The Examining Development Plan Documents: Learning from Experience 
(2MB) document and the Key Points: Learning from Experience Leaflet (358KB) seek to follow on from the Lessons Learnt Examining Development Plan Documents document.
Software Development Opportunities (Bristol)
26 August 2009
HEO Software Development Team Leader Ref: EB-08-09 Starting Salary £27,928 (range to £31,310) and EO Software Developer Ref: EB-09-09 Starting salary £22,598 (range to £24,724) - Vacancy Closed
North West Gypsies & Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Accommodation and Parking Standards - Examination in Public
18 August 2009
Planning Inspectorate Statistics
06 August 2009
Statistical Report 2008-2009: England has been published.
Planning Policy Statement 3 and Five Year Housing Land Supply
05 August 2009
Advice from CLG on the 5 year housing land supply required under PPS3 is given in this letter of 20 May 2009 47kb from Richard McCarthy, CLG Director General Housing and Planning, to Councillor Steve Jordan, Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council.
ISO/IEC 27001 Security Standard
05 August 2009
The Planning Inspectorate's Information Services branch is certified to the information security standard ISO/IEC 27001.
Job Vacancy
28 July 2009
Job Vacancy - Head of Management Information and Analysis based in Bristol - Vacancy Closed
Planning Inspectorate Annual Report 09
Press release:
I am delighted that the Planning Inspectorate has made real improvement this year particularly in relation to our performance targets. Over the last 12 months we have also made excellent progress in readiness for our 21st Century Appeals service following the 2008 Planning Act, including our new faster approach to Householder Appeals. I am also particularly pleased that steady progress is now being made with regard to the number of DPDs being submitted.
Over the next year we need to build on this work to ensure that we further help deliver the Government’s reform of the planning system, making the appeals system proportionate, customer focused and efficient.
View the Annual Report 4.31mb
Higher Planning Officer Vacancy
Wanting to broaden your experience in planning? Looking for a new challenge?
Higher Planning Officer Vacancy in our Welsh Office - Vacancy Closed
Rights of Way
24 June 2009
A new Rights of Way Advice Note (21) has been created in relation to Procedural Irregularities 47KB.
Rights of Way Announcement
03 June 2009
What we copy in relation to Statements of Case, Proofs of Evidence and Supporting Documents
Panel Secretary and Panel Assistant Vacancy
21 May 2009
Panel Secretary & Panel Assistant vacancy for Spatial Development Strategy for Greater London - Vacancy Closed
Panel Secretary Job Vacancy
19 May 2009
North West Plan: Partial Revision (Regional Spatial Strategy) (Gypsies and travellers, travelling showpeople and parking standards) - Vacancy Closed
Rights of Way Announcement
05 May 09
Since 3 November 2008, we have been running a pilot scheme where we have been publishing all statements of case, proofs of evidence and supporting documents on the Planning Inspectorate’s website. Regrettably, we have made the difficult decision to terminate the pilot, this is set out in full in this letter 40kb.
Please note that as of 4 May 2009, we will only be publishing the following documents;
Notice of Order
Site notice
Notice of proposal to modify an Order
Inspectors decision(s).
Conditions and Obligations
21 April 09
Planning Inspectorate publishes guidance to improve appeals process
03 April 09
Opportunities in Bristol - 2 Senior Human Resources Manager Positions
25 March 09
HR Manager - Operations - Ref: EB-02-09
HR Manager - Employee Relations, Communications, Health Safety and wellbeing - Ref: EB-03-09 - Vacancy Closed
Opportunities in Bristol - EO Finance
23 March 09
Job Vacancy in Bristol - EO Finance - Vacancy Closed
Rights of Way Consistency Guidelines
16 March 2009
Section 4 of the Consistency guidlines have been updated.
21st Century Appeals Service
04 March 2009
The beginnings of a guide to the changes introduced by the Planning Act 2008.
The Planning Inspectorate wins Commitment to Lifelong Learning Award
13 February 2009
Rights of Way
11 February 2009
We have amended Section 11 of the Consistency Guidelines as follows;
- In paragraph 11.7 we have replaced the word 'possibility' with the word 'indication'
- We have added the Finance Act as Part 1
- We have inserted guidance on Farm Survey records as Part 2
- We have inserted guidance on War Power Closures as Part 3
East of England Regional Spatial Strategy Panel Secretary vacancy
05 February 2009
The Planning Inspectorate, on behalf of Communities and Local Government, is seeking a Panel Secretary to assist in the Examination in Public (EIP) of the East of England Plan: Thurrock/Lakeside Basin Single Issue Review. Vacancy Now closed
Rights of Way update to the checklist for Order Making Authorities
03 February 2009
Please note that there is now a health and safety questionnaire appended to the Order Making Authority's checklist for submitting Orders to The Planning Inspectorate. OMAs will now be required to provide detailed information about any potential risks there may be at the site.
Rights of Way Guidance Booklet
30 January 2009
Please note that as of Monday 2 February 2009, our Quality Assurance Unit will now be dealing with all complaints. We have made an amendment to section 9 of our booklet. As it is only a slight amendment, we have not given the booklet a new revision number.
How to complete your appeal form
26 January 2009
The Planning Inspectorate has produced some new guides in order to help you complete your appeal form, guides have been produced for planning appeals, enforcement appeals, Lawful Development Appeals, Listed Building or Conservation area consent and listed building or Conservation area enforcement appeals.
Statistics - Appeals decided and outcome
23 January 2009
Rights of Way - Publication of Costs Decisions
21 January 2009
Opportunities in Bristol
14 January 2009
Administrative Officer Posts - Vacancy Closed
Advice for Inspectors - Protected Species Consultations: Natural England's Changed Approach
13 January 2009
Protected Species Consultations: Natural England's Changed Approach
Planning Inspectorate Newsletter Issue 11
05 January 2009
Issue 11 of the Newsletter has been issued.
Hazardous Substances - Guide for Appellants - Updated
09 December 2008
This has been revised to reflect that these types of appeals can now be transferred decisions rather than reports to the Secretary of State. The legislation enabling this is SI 2008 No. 595 The Town and Country Planning (Determination of Appeals by Appointed Persons) (Prescribed Classes) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2008. The revised guidance can be found by following the link below:
Hazardous Substance - Guide for Appellants
Development Plan Documents Guidance
28 November 2008
The Examining Development Plan Documents: Procedure Guidance (PDF 632KB) deals with the procedural aspects of dealing with the examination of development plan documents (DPDs) after submission and is aimed at all those involved in the process of examining a DPD.
Rights of Way - Publication Of Statements Of Case, Proofs Of Evidence And Supporting Documents
07 November 2008
Since the introduction of the Hearings and Inquiries Procedure Rules in October 2007 we have received a lot of feedback concerning the accessibility of statements of case, proofs of evidence and supporting documents. To address this we are going to run a pilot scheme for six months where we will be publishing all statements of case, proofs of evidence and supporting documents on the Inspectorate’s website, where we currently publish the start notices and decisions.
Download the "Publication Of Statements Of Case, Proofs Of Evidence And Supporting Documents" letter in PDF 41KB
Health and Safety Policy
04 November 2008
The Planning Inspectorate's General Statement of Intent for Health and Safety is available.
Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area
31 October 2008
Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area has been updated.
New Verification Tables
29 October 2008
Appeals Decided and Outcome 1 July 2008 to 30 September 2008
Model Conditions
16 October 2008
Planning Inspectorate publishes additional model conditions
Improvement to Development Plan Document Information
14 October 2008
The link within the Local Development Frameworks section that lists Development Plan Documents submitted has been improved to include links to the appropriate part of the Local Planning Authority website. It also now shows whether concluded submissions were found sound / unsound or withdrawn.
Administrative Assistant Posts
02 October 2008
During the next few months there are likely to be permanent and fixed term vacancies arising for Administrative Assistants in the Planning Inspectorate. In anticipation of this, we are conducting a recruitment exercise now so that we have successful candidates who will be available for appointments as they arise.
Planning Inspectorate Newsletter Issue 10
22 September 2008
Issue 10 of the Newsletter has been issued.
Tree Preservation Appeals
Planning Inspectorate looking for Non Salaried Inspectors
09 September 2008
The Planning Inspectorate is advertising for new non-salaried Inspectors to register with them from January 2009 - Registration closed
Planning Inspectorate Appoints new Director of Casework
14 August 2008
Mark Southgate has been appointed as the new Director of Casework at the Planning Inspectorate.
Statistical Report 2007-2008: England
06 August 2008
The Statistical Report 2007-2008: England has been produced and placed on the website.
Administrative Officer in Finance team (Part time)
06 August 2008
Job Vacancy - Administrative Officer in Finance team (Part time) - Vacancy closed
Advertisement Appeal
01 August 2008
Inquiry Manager/Lead Programme Officer and Assistant to the Inquiry Manager - Vacancies
25 July 2008
Vacancies Inquiry Manager/Lead Programme Officer and Assistant to the Inquiry Manager - Stansted G2 Inquiry Vacancy Closed
Stansted G2 Inquiry - Website launched
21 July 2008
Planning Inspectorate Annual Report & Accounts 2007/8
Annual Report and Accounts 2007 - 2008 6.27MB
Advice for Planning Inspectors
10 July 2008
PPS3 and Affordable Housing Thresholds
HEO Information Manager (HEO post now closed) and EO Infrastructure Support – Network Administrator Job Vacancies
10 July 2008
Vacancy - HEO Information Manager and EO Infrastructure Support – Network Administrator - Vacancy closed
Market Analysis for future Potential Inspectors
03 July 2008
Please complete the questionnaire - Now Closed
Vacancy - Assistant Director, Human Resources
26 June 2008
Vacancy - Assistant Director, Human Resources - Vacancy Closed
Right of Way Consistency Guidelines
23 June 2008
Section 11 'Finance Act 1910' of the Rights of Way Consistency Guidelines has been updated.
The Planning Inspectorate Newsletter Issue 9
19 June 2008
Issue 9 of the Newsletter has been issued.
Planning Decision Performance Improves in 07-08
The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) hit 25 per cent more of its key performance targets in 2007-08. Read about the improved performance in 07-08
15 May 2005
Vacancy - Non Executive Director (NED)
24 April 2008
The closing date for this vacancy has passed.
HEO Change, Configuration and Release Manager (CCRM)
23 April 2008
The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) is seeking to appoint a CCRM to take responsibility for managing and controlling changes to our live IT systems in accordance with best practice. View the HEO vacancy details - Now Closed.
Administrative Vacancies
15 April 2008
Administrative Assistant and Officer Vacancies in Cardiff office - Vacancy Closed
The Planning Inspectorate Newsletter Issue 8
05 March 2008
Issue 8 of the Newsletter has been issued.
Rights of Way Advice Note
26 February 2008
Rights of Way Advice Note 9 has been updated to take account of a number of issues that have been raised over the past year or so. These include it being updated; in line with the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill, to account for creation agreements and the Tyttenhanger judgement, to update advice previously given with regard to diversions and the Bernstein judgement, with regard to disregarding temporary structures in diversion orders and the various definitions of a local authority and a council where appropriate.
Rights of Way Consistency Guide
26 February 2008
Rights of Way Consistency Guide
11 February 2008
Venue and Facilities for Public Inquiries and Hearings
01 February 2008
The Inspectorate has issued new guidance on the Access arrangements at Inquiries and Hearings
Fast Track Householder Appeal (FTHA) Project
08 January 2008
Local Development Frameworks
Procedure Guidance for Local Planning Authorities who are due to Submit Development Plan Documents
14 December 2007
The Planning Inspectorate Newsletter Issue 7
11 December 2007
Issue 7 of the Newsletter has been issued.
Director of Finance and Business Planning
07 December 2007
Director of Finance and Business Planning job vacancy - Now closed
Definitive Map and Public Orders in England - Orders received on or after 1 October 2007
06 December 2007
Rights of Way
21 November 2007
Rights of Way Inquiries and Hearings Procedure Rules Seminar - Lincoln on the 27th September 2007
Head of Branch – Quality Assurance Unit and Special Projects
21 November 2007
Head of Branch – Quality Assurance Unit and Special Projects job vacancy - Now Closed
Advisory Panel on Standards 13th Annual Report
12 November 07
The Advisory Panel on Standards 13th Annual Report has been published.
SQL Database Administrator
31 October 2007
£21,748 - £23,795 + Allowance based in Bristol
Would you like to help us to deliver top quality IT systems and services in a modern and progressive environment? We currently have a vacancy in our busy Information Services and Support Branch to support the delivery and continued development of the Planning Casework Service (PCS) - part of the e-Government programme and other business critical systems used by the Inspectorate. Vacancy has now closed.
Panel Secretary: £16 to £27 per hour (depending on experience)
31 October 2007
The Planning Inspectorate, on behalf of Communities and Local Government, is seeking a Panel Secretary to assist in the Examination in Public (EIP) of the West Midlands Plan (Phase Two). Vacancy has now closed.
Panel Assistant: £14 to £16 per hour (depending on experience)
31 October 2007
The Planning Inspectorate, on behalf of Communities and Local Government, is seeking a Panel Assistant to assist in the Examination in Public (EIP) of the West Midlands Plan (Phase Two). Vacancy has now closed.
Planning Appeals and Old Style Development Plan Policies: Saving Directions
19 October 2007
Under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, unless expressly replaced by a `new’ policy, `old’ policies (adopted local plan, unitary development plan and structure plan policies) are saved for 3 years from whichever is the later of:
- the date of commencement of section 38 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (`the Act’) on 28 September 2004 or
- the date the plan was adopted or approved.
Under the Act, the Secretary of State has powers to make a direction to save specified policies beyond the 3 year period, and appropriate directions have now been issued on the Secretary of State’s behalf by regional Government Offices, with a covering letter. Policies saved at commencement date of the Act expired on 27 September 2007 if not listed in the direction.
We have arranged to place details of GO saved policies directions and covering letters on our website for ease of reference by all parties. Any missing items will be added as soon as they become available.
See also our advice to Inspectors on saved policies
Rights of Way Order Making Authority Checklist
19 October 2007
The Rights of Way Order Making Authority Checklist has been further amended to take account of new procedures outlined in the new Rights of Way Hearings and Inquiries Procedure Rules.
Definitive Map and Public Orders in England - Orders received on or after 1 October 2007
19 October 2007
The booklet produced for all Rights of Way Definitive Map and Public Path Orders in England (received on or after 1 October 2007) has been revised.
Rights of Way Order Making Authority Checklist
08 October 2007
The Rights of Way Order Making Authority Checklist has been amended to take account of new procedures outlined in the new Rights of Way Hearings and Inquiries Procedure Rules.
Planning Appeals and Old Style Development Plan Policies
26 September 2007
Letter to all Chief Planning Officers dated 25th September 2007
Planning Appeals and Design and Access Statements
19 September 2007
Our letter to local planning authorities of 14 September 2007
Job Vacancy
19 September 2007
Planning Officer job vacancy. Looking for a new challenge? Career in Planning? - Vacancy has now closed.
Revised Appellants Guidance for Hazardous Substances Consent Appeals Published
19 September 2007
Rights of Way Definitive Map and Public Path Orders in England - Orders received on or after 1 October 2007
14 September 2007
Newsletter Issue 6
06 September 2007
Issue 6 of the newsletter has been published.
Administrative Assistants - EB-07-07
29 August 2007
Starting Salary is £15,123
Over the next few months we anticipate having vacancies for permanent and fixed term Administrative Assistants. The fixed term contracts will initially be for 6 months with the possibility of extension. Vacancy has now closed.
Appointment of Non-Executive Directors
30 July 2007
Appointment of Non-Executive Directors
Planning Inspectorate Annual Report & Accounts 2006/07
23 July 2007
The 2006/07 Annual Report & Accounts 4.5mb
Rights of Way (Hearings and Inquiries) Procedure Rules
23 July 2007
The Rights of Way (Hearings and Inquiries) Procedure Rules were laid in Parliament on the 17 July 2007. These Rules introduce a framework for the handling of Rights of Way Orders and will come into force on 1 October 2007. The Planning Inspectorate will publish further guidance in due course.
View Defra's website for more information
Rights of Way Advice Note
28 June 2007
Rights of Way Advice Note number 3 has been updated.
Local Development Frameworks: Lessons Learnt Examining Development Plan Documents
14 June 2007
View the full Local Development Frameworks: Lessons Learnt Examining Development Plan Documents
Wanting to broaden your experience in planning? Looking for a new challenge?
Higher Planning officer and Senior Planning Officer job vacancies.
Other Opportunities - Tomorrow's Planners Job vacancies
07 June 2007
South East Draft Plan EIP: GOSE's addendum statement and panel's response
06 June 2007
Non-Executive Director Vacancies
31 May 2007
The Planning Inspectorate is seeking to recruit up to three non-executive Directors (NEDs) to join its Strategic Management Board. One of the NEDs will also chair the Inspectorate's Audit Committee. This Vacancy has now closed
Newsletter Issue 5
31 May 2007
Issue 5 of the newsletter has been published.
Appeals Consultation Paper
21 May 2007
Alongside the Planning White Paper - Planning for a Sustainable Future - which was launched today the Government published an Appeals Consultation Paper - Improving the Appeal Process in the Planning system. The Consultation Paper sets out a range of measures it proposes for an improved appeals service in England by delivering an appeals system that is more proportionate to the type and complexity of each appeal; has improved customer service and efficiency at its core; and, is better resourced.
The Planning Inspectorate welcomes these proposals and will be holding discussions with its stakeholders during the consultation period on the reasons for and implications of these proposals.
Improving the Appeal Process in the Planning System
Planning for a Sustainable Future
Customer Satisfaction Survey Report 2006
18 May 2007
Customer Satisfaction Survey Report 2006 has been published.
Administrative Assistants
1 May 2007
Starting Salary is £15,123
Audio/visual guide on making an Planning Appeal
27 April 2007
New link added to the Large Inquiries page
16 April 2007
For the Mottram/Tintwistle and Glossop Spur Inquiry. This is an external site published by Persona Associates.
Advice Produced by The Department for Communities and Local Government
11 April 2007
A note prepared by the Department for Communities and Local Government offering advice to Government Offices and the Planning Inspectorate in considering whether Local Planning Authorities are able to demonstrate a 5-year supply of specific sites which are deliverable in the terms of paragraph 54 of PPS3.
PPS3: Demonstrating a 5 Year Supply of Deliverable Sites
Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area
16 March 2007
Advice for Inspectors on the approach to handling housing casework either in or near the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area following the submission of the South East Examination in Public Assessors report.
Advice Note 2 - Implications for casework in PDF 78kb
Rights of Way Checklist for Order Making Authorities
14 March 2007
The Rights of Way Checklist for Order Making Authorities has been updated.
Job Vacancy
09 March 2007
IT Opportunities, Bristol - System Developer Ref: EB-02-07. This Vacancy has now closed
Royal National Institute of the Blind "See it right" accreditation - 2007
21 February 2007
The Planning Inspectorate is pleased to announce that we have successfully gained the RNIB “See it right” accreditation for our web site (www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk) and our sub sites. Further details about accessibility can be found on our Accessibility page.
Rights of Way Order Decisions
19 February 2007
Rights of Way Advice Note
13 February 2007
The Planning Inspectorate Film
09 February 2007
A film about the processing of planning appeals has been unveiled by the Planning Inspectorate in Newcastle at the Local Government Association Urban Conference and Exhibition, and can be viewed on the site - Now been removed from the website.
Job Vacancy
09 February 2007
Director, Strategic Business Planning and Corporate Services, The Planning Inspectorate (SCS PAY BAND 1) Starting salary £55,000, rising to £77,000 - This vacancy has now closed.
Local Development Framework Examinations: Planning Inspectorate Fee Increase
07 February 2007
Appeal Data Verfication
25 January 2007
Vacancies - Administrative Grade
10 January 2007
Senior Operations Manager Ref: EB-01-07. This Vacancy has now closed
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