Rebecca Phillips appointed as Chief Planning Inspector
Rebecca Phillips has been permanently appointed Chief Planning Inspector of the Planning Inspectorate, after serving in an interim role since March 2025. During her interim period she led work to enhance inspector learning and development and collaborated with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and other stakeholders on significant reforms to the planning system, including the draft National Planning Policy Framework and new approaches to local and strategic planning. A chartered town planner who has been with the Planning Inspectorate since 2006 and who previously led planning appeals, Phillips emphasizes professionalism, adaptability and delivering fair, transparent, high-quality decisions, with Graham Stallwood welcoming the appointment as right for the future.
The Planning Inspectorate has today announced the permanent appointment of Rebecca Phillips as Chief Planning Inspector, following a competitive recruitment process.
Rebecca has held the role on an interim basis since March 2025, during which time she has led work to enhance and systemise inspector learning and development. She has also collaborated closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and other stakeholders on significant reforms to the planning system, including the draft new National Planning Policy Framework and new approaches to local and strategic planning.
Prior to becoming Interim Chief Planning Inspector, Rebecca served as professional lead for planning appeals, overseeing professional support, advice and training for inspectors undertaking appeals work. She has been with the Planning Inspectorate since 2006, working across a range of casework areas. Before joining the Inspectorate, she worked for the Royal Town Planning Institute and the Welsh Development Agency.
Rebecca is a chartered town planner and a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. She also serves as chair of the RTPI Joint Distance Learning Consortium Board.
Rebecca Phillips 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. My focus will be on strengthening the foundations of a high-performing, future-ready inspector profession.
Graham Stallwood, Interim Chief Executive of the Planning Inspectorate, said:
Rebecca has shown exceptional leadership during a period of significant change for the planning system. Her deep expertise, her commitment to the inspector profession and her collaborative approach make her the right person to lead it into the future. I’m delighted that she has been appointed permanently and I look forward to working with her in the years ahead.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rebecca-phillips-appointed-as-chief-planning-inspector
