The Council of Ministers is seeking to recruit four suitably qualified individuals to act as independent Planning Inspectors for the Isle of Man.
Planning appeals in the Isle of Man are dealt with under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019.
Article 3 of the Order defines 'planning inspector' as a person whose name appears on a list approved for the purposes of this Order by the Council of Ministers.
Council is therefore required to consider and approve a list of 'suitably qualified' persons to act as Planning Inspectors.
The Planning Appeals Secretariat, based within the Cabinet Office, administers the planning appeals process on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer (Isle of Man Government).
Inspectors play an important role in supporting a fair, transparent and effective planning appeals system by considering cases referred to them and preparing clear, reasoned reports to assist in the determination of planning matters.
This is an important time for planning in the Isle of Man. Planning decisions play a central role in supporting sustainable development, protecting the Island’s distinctive built and natural environment, and ensuring that communities have confidence in how planning matters are considered. The appointment of independent Planning Inspectors will help ensure that the Island continues to have access to the professional expertise, independence and capacity needed to support a fair and effective appeals system.
The role may involve considering planning appeals, applications referred to or called in by the Council of Ministers, and matters relating to registered buildings, including the registration of buildings, in accordance with the relevant planning legislation. This includes matters arising under the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019 and the Town and Country Planning (Registered Buildings) Regulations 2025, including third party appeals and appeals against non-determination.
This role offers a meaningful opportunity to apply your expertise to varied and often complex casework in a distinctive Island context.
Inspectors are required to act independently and impartially in respect of cases referred to them by the Secretariat. The role requires sound professional judgement, the ability to assess complex evidence, and a commitment to fairness, objectivity and procedural transparency.
If you have the experience, judgement and independence required to support fair and robust planning decision-making, we would encourage you to consider applying to be appointed as an independent Planning Inspector for the Isle of Man.
Persons who wish to be considered for the appointment to the list of Inspectors are invited to download an information pack via https://www.gov.im/categories/working-in-the-isle-of-man/public-appointments/current-vacancies/ .
Applications, including a CV and a statement setting out how you meet the requirements of the person specification can be completed and submitted electronically via this webpage by 11:59pm on Friday 30 October. If you require a printed or accessible version of the information pack (for example, large print, audio or Braille), please contact the Cabinet Office, 3rd Floor, Government Offices, Bucks Road, Douglas, IM1 3PN Telephone: +44 1624 685711 or email [email protected]
Additional support document Independent Planning Inspector
