Appealing a Planning Decision

Have you had planning permission refused?
Learn more about how you can appeal a planning decision with Planning & Design Practice.

Our Appeals Service

Planning & Design Practice specialise in appealing planning decisions.

Had Planning Permission refused? All is not lost.

We have extensive experience with the many types of planning appeals, from written representations to informal hearings and public inquiries.

The appeal process is there to allow the opportunity for an independent assessor to review the application and determine whether or not it should be approved. It’s essential that the best argument is put forward when appealing a planning decision.

That’s where we come in. Our expert team at Planning & Design Practice can help you to navigate the complex appeals process and give you the best chance of a favourable outcome. We work across the whole of the UK with offices in Derby, Matlock, Macclesfield and Sheffield.

Key Contact

Richard Pigott

Richard Pigott

Director

Jon Millhouse

Director

Need advice?

Get in Touch

For a no-obligation consultation to discuss your planning application and appeal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via the form on the right.

Alternatively, email us at enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk or give us a call on 01332 347371.

Contact Form

What is a Planning Decision Appeal?

If your Local Planning Authority refuses a planning application, you have the right to challenge the decision within six months of the original decision. You may also appeal a decision if:

  • The Local Planning Authority grants planning permission, but with unfavourable conditions that you deem unacceptable.
  • The Local Planning Authority fails to issue a decision within the prescribed time.

Appeals are made via the Planning Inspectorate and/or a Judicial Review through the courts.

Who Can Appeal a Planning Decision?

The applicant of any type of planning application, or their executor, is usually entitled to appeal planning decisions of their Local Planning Authority. However, the planning system is complex and different councils have different policies. This means that development may be allowed in some areas but refused in others for various reasons.

Types of Appeal

Appealing a planning decision may fall under one of the following categories:

How to Appeal a Planning Decision

Your appeal must be made within six months of the original decision date, or within six months of the date by which the Local Planning Authority should have determined the application.

The appeal must be made in the form prescribed by the Secretary of State and be accompanied by the following documents:

  • A copy of the original planning application.
  • All plans, drawings and documents relating to the application.
  • All correspondence with the Local Planning Authority.
  • A copy of the decision or determination.
  • A full statement of the case including a statement setting out the procedure that the applicant considers should be used to determine the appeal.
  • Where applicable, a draft statement of common ground.

This process can be long, complex and strict. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our appeals specialists for a free, no-obligation consultation about your case. Email us at enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk or give us a call on 01332 347371.

For more information about the appeals handling process and the types of procedure please get in touch.

Appeals Case Studies

A selection of appeals we have undertaken

FAQs about Appealing a Planning Decision

Between January and March 2023, planning appeal success rates rose to stand at around 30%, a 9% rise from its lowest success rate recorded in Q1 of 2020. Based on the past five years of data, the success rate of planning appeals ranges from 21% – 32%.

There is no cost to appealing a planning decision, but applicants must pay their own expenses and the fees of any professional representatives.

If your planning appeal is refused, it means that the Local Planning Authority has continued to find problems with your case. Such reasons may include:

  • Character & appearance – your proposal isn’t aligned with the look and feel of the surrounding area.
  • Residential amenity – your proposal may result in an unacceptable impact on your neighbours’ everyday lives and movements.
  • Biodiversity and arboriculture – your proposal raises concerns about biodiversity and migration.
  • Highways impact – your proposal risks unsafe or unacceptable site access or infrastructure.

Most planning appeals are handled in writing and take around 18 weeks to reach a decision. If a Judicial Review is required, this may take longer – up to 40 weeks. Bear in mind that once the appeal has been submitted, there is usually a delay until the Planning Inspectorate issues a start date.

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