The Planning Inspectorate has appointed Rebecca Phillips as its new permanent chief planning inspector following a “competitive recruitment process” as it aims to support the government’s target of 1.5 million new homes.
Phillips has held the interim role since March 2025, leading efforts to enhance inspector learning and development.
She also worked closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on key planning reforms, including the draft new National Planning Policy Framework and updates to local and strategic planning.
With nearly 20 years of experience at the Planning Inspectorate, Phillips has served in several roles, including as professional lead for planning appeals.
A chartered town planner, she is also the chairwoman of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Joint Distance Learning Consortium Board.
She said: “I’m honoured to take on the role of chief planning inspector to lead such a dedicated and expert profession at a time when our casework is changing rapidly, shaped by significant shifts in planning policy and legislation.
“As demand continues to rise, our strength will lie in our professionalism, our adaptability and our shared commitment to delivering fair, transparent and high-quality decisions, recommendations and advice.”
Graham Stallwood, interim chief executive officer of the Planning Inspectorate, praised Phillips for her leadership and collaborative approach, saying she is the “right person” to guide the profession into the future.
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The appointment comes as the Planning Inspectorate, which is responsible for making decisions and recommendations on planning appeals, national infrastructure applications, and local plans, launches a recruitment drive to address staffing shortages and support the government’s ambitious target of 1.5 million new homes.
In 2024, the Inspectorate made 18,346 decisions, with the RTPI revealing one-fifth of planners are set to retire soon, exacerbating the workforce shortage.
Phillips emphasised that her focus will be on strengthening the foundations of the planning inspector profession, with recruitment already underway to attract experienced built environment professionals to take on the role of planning inspectors.
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