Vacancy title
Planning Inspector x5 - G7
Closing date
31/03/2026, 16:00
Advertising basis
Permanent
Actual starting salary
A starting salary between £61,098 and £73,057 will be offered to the successful candidate based on their skills, knowledge, experience and performance at interview. The final offer is at the discretion of Welsh Government. The post of Planning Inspector has an additional recruitment and retention allowance (RRA) of £6,707 (25/26) attached to it. This may be paid to a trained and experienced individual who demonstrates full proficiency in the Planning Inspector Recruitment Pack.
Salary range or pay band
Grade 7 £61,098 to £73,057
Allowances
Yes
RRA Pensionable
Work pattern
Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)
Group
Corporate Services and Inspectorates
Directorate
Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW)
Branch
Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW)
Location(s)
Pan Wales
Purpose of post
To carry out a full range of appeals and/or other casework through the written representation, hearing, inquiry and examination procedures. Subject to training, this work includes Development Plans, Infrastructure, S78 planning appeals and other major casework plus enforcement. Work will be delivered in line with timeliness targets and to the required quality standards. This post will be based in and outside of Wales.
Key tasks
To conduct and determine appeals and other casework. This could include planning appeals, enforcement appeals, environmental casework (rights of way, common land, high hedges, TPOs, etc), the examination of Development Plans, Community Infrastructure Levy schedules, Infrastructure Projects and other casework as required.
* Identify, understand, analyse, and test relevant facts and evidence (including taking evidence on oath where relevant) to reach well‑reasoned and justified decisions and recommendations on planning appeals and other casework.
* Understand and correctly apply relevant legislation, case law, policy, guidance and procedures when carrying out casework.
* Determine the appropriate procedure for public events (written representations, hearing, inquiry or mixed procedure) with regard to principles of natural justice and identify in advance the scope of discussion at that event.
* Independently conduct public events (including multi‑day hearings, inquiries, examinations and accompanied site visits) efficiently, inclusively and authoritatively using plain language and in accordance with relevant statute, procedural rules and guidance, and in compliance with Welsh language standards.
* Complete appeal decisions and any other work in line with timeliness targets and required quality standards.
* Work alone as an independent decision‑maker seeking advice only where necessary.
* Lead, manage and work effectively with Programme Officers and Assistant Inspectors, including when examining Local Plans and Community Infrastructure Levy schedules.
* Manage casework effectively, working with professional and administrative staff, managers and Programme Officers.
* Provide leadership and management by supporting and mentoring other Inspectors.
* Participate in the recruitment, assessment and selection of new Inspectors.
* Demonstrate integrity, objectivity and impartiality at all times, clearly applying principles of openness, fairness and transparency.
* Maintain and develop professional skills and capability by undertaking appropriate training and other development opportunities.
* Act in an advisory capacity to other government divisions, using specialist knowledge, skills and experience to help develop policy.
* Help develop the skills and capability of other Inspectors, including becoming a Subject Lead, preparing training materials, delivering training, mentoring and quality assurance of reports and decisions.
* Assist in the management of the organisation through the development and improvement of procedures and working practices, including project participation and leadership.
* Carry out administrative functions in accordance with current office guidelines and procedures.
* Use IT effectively to conduct casework and manage administrative matters.
Development opportunities
Opportunity to make an impact by bringing valuable knowledge, skills and experience to PEDW to help improve planning outcomes in Wales and deliver sustainable development.
* Broad understanding of all areas of PEDW’s planning and environmental casework across Wales.
* With training, develop specialist knowledge and skills in all types of planning and environmental casework including major infrastructure consenting and Development Plan Examinations.
Other vacancy related information
* The post of Planning Inspector has an additional recruitment and retention allowance (RRA) of £6,707 attached to it. This may be paid to a trained and experienced individual who demonstrates full proficiency in the Planning Inspector Recruitment Pack.
* Eligibility for the RRA will be discussed with successful individuals after the recruitment process and when an offer of employment is made.
* The RRA is non‑contractual and does not form part of an individual’s terms and conditions.
* Planning Inspectors are usually contracted home workers but this can be discussed on appointment for employees seeking an office base.
* The role will require travel around the country to venues and to carry out site visits, hearings and inquiries on a regular basis, including overnight stays where necessary.
* Homeworkers will require a suitable home work station with appropriate IT connectivity.
* An initial sift may be conducted against the lead assessment criterion: Making Effective Decisions. Successful candidates may progress to a full sift or Stage 2.
* A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Successful reserve candidates remain on the list for 12 months.
Recruitment process
Following Stage 1, successful candidates will be invited to undertake a written test on Behaviours 1 & 2 at home within a specified time limit. The interview will follow immediately afterwards and will include a short verbal presentation to test Behaviour 2, along with experience and behaviour competency questions.
Relevant professional bodies
Applicant’s membership must demonstrate sufficient level and be regulated by the body’s code of conduct. Achieving chartered or full membership will be a condition of passing probation.
* Architects Registration Board
* Association of Building Engineers
* Bar Council
* Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
* Chartered Institute for Archaeologists
* Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists
* Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
* Chartered Institute of Legal Executives
* Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
* Chartered Institute of Waste Management
* Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management
* Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
* Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment
* Institute of Environmental Sciences
* Institute of Highways Engineers
* Institute of Highways and Transportation
* Institute of Historic Building Conservation
* Institute of Civil Engineers
* Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology
* Institute of Public Rights of Way Officers
* Institute of Quarrying
* Institution of Structural Engineers
* Landscape Institute
* Law Society (including Solicitors’ Roll)
* Planning Executives Association
* Royal Institute of British Architects
* Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
* Royal Town Planning Institute
Welsh language requirements
Welsh language skills are not essential for this post, but are desirable and will be considered if two or more candidates receive the same score at the application or interview stage.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
* UK nationals
* nationals of the Republic of Ireland
* nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS
* individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
* Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Benefits and entitlements
* Civil Service Pension Scheme
* 31 days annual leave (pro‑rated for part time)
* Training and development opportunities
* Cycle2Work Scheme
* Smart Working flexible working arrangement
* Green Car Scheme (subject to availability)
Application process
All applications for this vacancy must be made using the online application system. The Welsh Government cannot offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applications are welcomed from people with a diverse range of lived and professional experiences. If an impairment prevents online application, you can request an alternative format or a recruitment adjustment.
Contact point for further information
Chief Planning Inspector – PEDW.CPI@gov.wales
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