Kimmins launches process to appoint Independent Inspectors to the planning process
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has launched a process to appoint suitably qualified and experienced Independent Inspectors to the planning system.
This is part of a Public Sector Transformation funded project aimed at supporting public sector reform in the North.
The appointments will enable the Department to exercise its powers under the Planning Act 2011 to allocate “Hear and Report” work to inspectors as an additional option to the Planning Appeals Commission.
Minister Kimmins said:
“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 associated with local development plans examinations and public local inquiries and hearings in relation to regionally significant or called in planning applications. 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.
“This will be the first time that the Department will have exercised its powers under the Planning Act to appoint individuals to undertake this work and it forms part of my commitment to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the planning system, building on the many successes already achieved through my Planning Improvement Programme.”
Further information on the application process, including the eligibility criteria, can be found in the Candidate Information Booklet at: Appointment of Independent Inspectors for Planning “Hear and Report” functions. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 22 May 2026.
Notes to editors:
- For any further queries regarding the application process, contact the DfI Independent Inspectors Support Team at: iisupport@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
- On 4 March 2025, the Minister of Finance confirmed that the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) had successfully secured £3 million in ring-fenced funding for its Transforming Planning proposal through the interim Public Sector Transformation Board. This funding is part of a broader £235 million transformation package provided by the UK Government to support public sector reform in Northern Ireland. For further information click here: Public Sector Transformation | Department of Finance
- The main objective of this project is to put in place robust arrangements to enable the Department to exercise its powers under the Planning (Northern Ireland) Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) to appoint persons as an additional option to the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC), with the view to supporting the timely progression of regionally significant and called-in planning applications; and local development plans independent examinations through more flexible and efficient “Hear and Report” processes. For further information click here: Hear and Report Work | Department for Infrastructure
- This is the first time that the Department has exercised its powers under the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 to appoint individuals to undertake “Hear and Report” work. To date the Department has appointed the Planning Appeals Commission to carry this out work.
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
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