A new gov.uk digital service for Local Planning Authorities (LPA) called Submit Development Plans is under construction now and will be available for the first new system local plans as they reach Gateway 2, in early 2027. Ben Duckworth, Digital Lead for this service, outlines what to expect from our first digital service for plans …
Up to 100 Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) are currently preparing for submission under the legacy system (2012 regulations) by the final deadline of 31 December. Our Professional Lead for Plans Examination, Simon Berkeley, addresses popular legacy system topics.
The transition to the new local plan system is the most significant change to plan-making in a generation. Following our Plan, Prepare, Progress webinar in July and the subsequent publication of the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Simon Berkeley, Professional Lead for Plans Examination, has taken a closer look at the questions raised by …
Every local plan needs a programme officer (PO) to keep things moving along smoothly. With so many legacy local plans progressing towards examination, if you are aiming for a legacy submission and haven’t yet lined up your PO then now's a good time.
Claire Sherratt, an Inspector Profession Lead, explains how we decide which procedure your appeal should follow and why headline rates of allowed appeals don’t tell the full story.
Tom Warth (Chief Operating Officer) reflects on the Planning Inspectorate’s long-term improvements as the latest performance statistics are published.
Tom Warth (Chief Operating Officer) shares what the Planning Inspectorate has done in the last three years to make planning much more certain for the whole sector.
Patricia Cuervo Uría spent years working on flood risk and drainage planning policy and major infrastructure projects both in local government and consultancy before joining the Planning Inspectorate. Here, she reflects on what she found when she arrived – and what she'd say to anyone considering making the same move.
One of our senior female planning inspectors reflects on nearly nine years at the Planning Inspectorate - from trainee to Band 3, juggling family life, navigating imposter syndrome, and finding support from colleagues along the way. What does a career as a planning inspector really look like?
Interim Chief Executive Graham Stallwood looks forward to working together across the planning sector in a busy and exciting 2026.
Interim Professional Lead for Appeals, Claire Searson, reflects on a recent webinar into professional conduct at planning inquiries.