Planning Inspectorate PINS
The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) is an executive agency of the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), or the Welsh Government in Wales. It has more than 730 staff and 100 contractors, with offices in Bristol and Cardiff.
The Planning Inspectorate deals with:
- National infrastructure planning, including large-scale projects such as harbours, power generating stations (including wind farms) and electricity transmission lines.
- Processing planning appeals.
- Processing enforcement appeals.
- Examining local plans.
- Examining community infrastructure levy charging schedules.
- Listed building consent appeals.
- Advertisement appeals.
- Reporting on planning applications called in for decision by the Secretary of State for the Department for Communities and Local Government.
- Compulsory purchase orders.
- Rights of way cases.
- Cases arising from the Environmental Protection and Water Acts and the Transport and Works Act and other Highways Legislation.
- Processing applications for awards of costs.
Complaints against decisions are dealt with by the Planning Inspectorate’s Quality Assurance Unit.
It is only possible to appeal against decisions of the Planning Inspectorate in the High Court, by showing they have misinterpreted the law. The Planning Inspectorate will then look at the decision again, but it will not necessarily be reversed. Applications to challenge decisions must be received by the Administrative Court within 42 days from the date of the decision.
NB: In Scotland, planning inspectors are called 'reporters'.
On 17 December 2015, Sarah Richards was appointed as the new Chief Executive of The Planning Inspectorate. The Chief Executive is personally responsible for the management of Inspectorate in accordance with the framework document which describes the Inspectorate’s relationship with DCLG. She took up her post on 14 March 2016.
Richards said: “I’m very excited about taking up the role as Chief Executive today and taking the reins of this well respected organisation. Across the wide range of its casework, the Planning Inspectorate is integral to ensuring a swift planning system is in place for all, from individual citizens through to major developers and corporations.”
In March 2019 it was announced that the Planning Inspectorate would run a pilot scheme for inquiries in response to the recommendations of the inquiries review. Ref https://www.gov.uk/government/news/inquiries-review
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Chief planner.
- Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project initiatives reach milestone.
- Permitted development.
- Planning Act 2008.
- Planning authority.
- Planning condition.
- Planning appeals.
- Planning enforcement.
- Planning court.
- Planning permission.
- Planning related applications for judicial review.
[edit] External references
- Gov.uk, Planning Inspectorate.
- Planning portal, Planning Inspectorate.
- Gov.uk Simon Ridley takes up the post as Chief Executive of The Planning Inspectorate today (1st July 2014).
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.