Appeals

The appeals process

If an applicant feels aggrieved by a decision either to refuse permission or to impose conditions, he/she may appeal against that decision to the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

An appeal against refusal of a householder planning application must be lodged with the Planning Inspectorate within three months of the date of the decision notice. All appeals for other types of application must be lodged with the Planning Inspectorate within six months of the date of the decision notice.

You may also appeal if your application has not been determined within eight weeks of registration.

Applicants considering an appeal are advised to first consult with the planning officer who dealt with the original application to see if there is any scope for negotiation.

There are three types of appeal:

  • Written Representations – this is the most common. Each side submits its case in writing and an Inspector visits the site. This is the speediest way of getting a decision.
  • Local Hearing – this informal hearing chaired by an Inspector, and both the appellant and the Council, as well as other interested parties, may put their respective cases verbally, as well as by written submission.
  • Local Public Inquiry – this takes the form of a formal quasi judicial hearing, presided over by an Inspector. Often parties are represented by lawyers and witnesses are cross-examined.

Search for an appeal

Please note that full documentation on closed appeal cases can be found with the documents for the original planning application that was the subject of the appeal, which you can search for and view using the search form on the Planning Decisions search page


Decisions

The decision of the Secretary of State or one of the Inspectors is final and there is no further right of appeal except upon a point of law in the High Court.

To download the appeal forms and guidance notes go to the Planning Inspectorate website or write to:

The Planning Inspectorate
Customer Services
3/05 Kite Wing
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Temple Quay
Bristol  BS1 6PN

Telephone 0117 372 6372

For more information visit the Planning Portal website.