The Planning Inspectorate has published its Annual Report and Accounts 2025/26, showcasing a year of remarkable progress in landmark decisions and digital innovation. The organisation made 19,600 decisions, granting permission for the construction of 23,000 homes, while reducing the open appeals caseload from 11,400 to 9,400 cases. This achievement has a direct impact on families waiting to move into new homes, young people seeking to get on the property ladder, and communities benefiting from reliable energy and transport.
The report highlights the Inspectorate's commitment to improving timeliness and quality in decision-making. Local plan examinations, which once took 31 months to complete, now take just 19 months. Furthermore, the Inspectorate successfully met every statutory deadline on nationally significant infrastructure projects. These developments demonstrate the Inspectorate's dedication to supporting the government's ambitions and the wider planning system.
The report also showcases the Inspectorate's efforts in digital innovation, including the launch of a new Crown Development Application service and the expansion of the GOV.UK digital appeals service. These initiatives aim to provide a more intuitive, secure, and resilient experience for appellants, agents, and local authorities. The Inspectorate continues to invest in digital innovation, with a focus on improving customer experience and reducing bureaucracy.
In addition to these achievements, the report highlights the Inspectorate's commitment to its workforce. The organisation has grown at a rate unseen in previous years, with a 9% increase in colleague numbers between April 2025 and March 2026. The retention rate stands at 91%, demonstrating the Inspectorate's success in attracting and retaining highly talented colleagues.