Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has officially launched a recruitment process to appoint a panel of Independent Inspectors to support the planning system. The move is part of a project funded by the Public Sector Transformation fund, designed to drive reform across the public sector.

Under the Planning Act 2011, these appointments will allow the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to allocate "Hear and Report" work to independent inspectors. This provides a secondary option alongside the Planning Appeals Commission for handling local development plan examinations, public local inquiries, and hearings for regionally significant or "called-in" planning applications.

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Minister Kimmins commented: "In March 2025, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) successfully secured £3 million of ring-fenced public sector funding for its Transforming Planning bid. I am delighted that my Department is now in a position to launch a process that will enable it to appoint independent inspectors following a recent awareness initiative.

"The Independent Inspectors project is a new initiative which offers an additional option for progressing 'Hear and Report' work. The appointment of the inspectors will add capacity and flexibility into the system and have a positive, system wide impact. I encourage suitably qualified and experienced individuals to apply to help us enhance a critical part of the planning system and continue to improve confidence among the communities and investors alike."

The Minister noted that this is the first time the Department has exercised these specific powers under the Planning Act. The initiative is part of a broader commitment to improving the efficiency of the planning system, following previous work under the Planning Improvement Programme.

Individuals interested in applying can find eligibility criteria and application details in the Candidate Information Booklet online. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 22 May 2026.