Planning Appeals

Time scales for appeals vary depending on the application type for latest time scales and further

Further details of the appeal procedures can be found on the reverse of the decision notice, or by visiting the Planning Portal or the Planning Inspectorate websites.

There are 3 ways in which an appeal can be dealt with:

• Written Representations - this is the quickest method. The appellant and the Council prepare written statements for the Planning Inspectorate to consider. A Planning Inspector will visit the site and then issue a decision.

• Informal Hearing - with the agreement of both parties and where the planning issues are quite straightforward an informal hearing may be called. This is a discussion of the issues involved between the parties which is led by the Planning Inspector.

• Public Inquiry - each side presents its case verbally before an Inspector and the witnesses for each side can be cross-examined by the opposing parties. This is usually a more lengthy and expensive procedure as it normally involves professional representation and complex arguments.

The Inspector's decision is final and you have no further right of appeal except to the High Court on a point of law. There is no third party right of appeal although third parties can be involved in the appeal process and are asked for comments on an appeal.

Appeal Forms are available from Planning Inspectorate, and you can make, track and search for certain kinds of appeals online at The Planning Portal.

There is no charge for making an appeal but you will inevitably incur some expenses in presenting your case. The cost involved will depend on the procedure to be followed and on the complexity of the case.

In an inquiry or hearing, the council, or other people involved in the appeal, may apply for costs against one of the other parties for "unreasonable" behaviour, for example, failure to submit documents or attend a meeting. It would have to be shown that unnecessary costs had been incurred as a result of this behaviour.

You can access information on appeals submitted to us online.  To find appeal details, please fill in the Appeal lodged dates or Appeal Decision Date on the Planning Application Search Criteria.