Unfortunately not every planning application is approved at the first attempt but a planning refusal can be subjected to a planning appeal. A planning application can be refused for a number of reasons including a test of the main issues or policies, a committee decision overturning the Planning Officers recommendation for approval, an inappropriate scheme to name but a few.

In each case we can advise as to the next steps and the likely success of a planning appeal, including any modifications that would improve the chances. We can also advise which appeal procedure is the most appropriate (Written Representations, Informal Hearing or Public Inquiry). Depending upon the scale, nature and existing supporting information which accompanied the planning application we can co-ordinate and arrange for additional evidence to created, further increasing the chances of success.

The planning appeal process is also useful to challenge onerous planning conditions, agreements, enforcement etc. There are a full range of appeals including:

As RTPI Chartered Town Planners we are able to directly appoint and liaise with specialist Planning Barristers who can provide a specific perspective on the legal issues surrounding the application or planning appeal.

For a free no obligation quote and assessment of the appeal, please email us with as much detail as possible including your name, address, the site address, the local planning authority and the planning application reference. Alternatively please call us free on 0800 955 0 925 to discuss your appeal.

"Planning by appeal balloons" - Architects Journal 01.12.11

Figures released this week confirm a return to ‘planning by appeal’ and show a significant increase in success for housing schemes in England rejected at local level. The Planning Inspectorate ... allowed 55 per cent of them, representing a 16 per cent rise in approvals for residential schemes from just 39 per cent from April to June.

The success rate of appeals across all sectors decided by hearing also shot up from 38 per cent in the first quarter of 2011-2012 to 47 per cent during the last three months.

The hike is being seen as evidence that the government’s pro-growth stance and the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is already having an effect.

Jonathan Brown of Urbed said the results highlighted tensions with Localism: ‘This statistical snapshot raises questions as to whether the draft NPPF, and the chief planner’s note to inspectors, have encouraged frustrated applicants to appeal with an enhanced chance of success. ‘This is precisely the intent of the NPPF, and, if confirmed, can be seen as an interim policy victory for the Treasury’s “growth view”, well before the final framework is published in spring.’"