The Planning Inspectorate has announced the permanent appointment of Rebecca Phillips as chief planning inspector.
Prior to becoming interim chief planning inspector in March 2025, Phillips 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.
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, added: “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.”
