The Inspectorate undertakes a wide range of casework under planning, housing, environment, highways and allied legislation on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the National Assembly for Wales. Casework arising in England is dealt with from our Bristol headquarters and casework arising in Wales from our Cardiff office. We propose to appoint a number of Planning Inspectors to start work from early 2002. We endeavour to promote this approach with all persons we come in to contact with. We also believe that we are responsible for ensuring that the highest principles of equal opportunities are applied.
All staff are able to challenge discriminating attitudes and practices.
The main function of a Planning Inspector is to decide appeals under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and other environmental legislation. The role of the Inspector is to conduct inquiries and hearings and to carry out site visits, considering both written and oral evidence in order to reach fully reasoned decisions. The role is governed by three fundamental principles of openness, fairness and impartiality. An Inspector's work brings high rewards in terms of job satisfaction, professional status and an independent working lifestyle. The work is also intellectually stimulating and challenging.