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Our flexible resource approach includes contracting with 3rd party suppliers of planning services. We refer to them as Planning Appeal Decisions Suppliers or PADS for short.

We recently started using a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) to identify and award contracts to our PADS. PADS need to be part of the DPS which you can apply to join at any time during its lifetime. Initially this is six-years beginning 1 November 2022, with an option to extend by a further four-years.

The Planning Inspectorate is keen to ensure that our cohort of PADS is maintained, and we are always keen to hear from new suppliers wishing to join our list of PADS.

How to join or find out more

If you are interested in joining our list of PADS, you will first need to join the DPS. In order to do so, please contact the Commercial Team at the Planning Inspectorate (office.com) who will arrange to send you the DPS Application Form and associated documentation for your completion. In completing the form, you can choose which planning appeal decision service best suits your expertise. We are currently seeking PADS services under one or more of these three lots.

1. s78 Planning Appeals (General)
2. Householder Appeals Service (HAS)/Commercial Appeals Service (CAS)
3. Tree Preservation Order (TPO) Appeals.

To join the DPS you must be able to demonstrate sufficient relevant qualifications and experience. The information you provide will be used to determine the relevant selection process to evaluate your application form. The selection processes are:

• The fast-track process: this applies when you have performed at least one contract and, or as an employee has, completed more than three relevant issuable written planning appeal decisions for The Planning Inspectorate or an equivalent organisation, within three years of the date you apply. Relevant means these decisions must have had the same or directly equivalent service requirements as each lot for which you intend to apply.
• The written example appeal process: this applies when your experience does not match the above description. In these circumstances you must have five-years relevant experience and be able to operate at a professional level with evidence of an accomplished capability. And in addition to a valid application form you must:
  • Provide a written example appeal decision relevant to each lot for which you apply, that an experienced Inspector will evaluate; and if the results meet the selection criteria
  • Attend an interview, if required, with two or more experienced Inspectors.

The service attracts a fixed price for each written appeal decision, the price is linked to the general degree of complexity associated with each of the three lots. Reimbursable expenses cover travel, travel time and accommodation, although these expenses are subject to specific use principles.

If you have the required qualifications and experience and would like to join our list of PADS or if you have any questions regarding the process, we want to hear from you! please contact the Commercial Team at the Planning Inspectorate (office.com).