If a planning application is refused, the decision notice will list the reasons for refusal.  An applicant can appeal not only against the refusal of an application, but also the planning conditions imposed. 

The right to appeal is to the Secretary of State, but this has to be done within six months of the decision being made or 12 weeks in the case of Householder applications.  An appeal may also be lodged against the non-determination of an application within the statutory period.

Appeals can be dealt with either by written representations or by public inquiry. In certain cases the Planning Inspectorate will offer a Hearing, a less formal type of inquiry.

Written representations involve the submission to the Inspectorate of a statement of the ‘planning history’ of the site, its location and general description; the intended work and/or development; how it meets the relevant statutory requirements; and why the appellant(s) considers the reasons for refusal or planning conditions inappropriate.  The Council submits a case supporting its decision.

There are no third party rights of appeal within the planning system.

For further advice on the appeal process please contact a planning officer or use the online information provided by the Planning Portal – Appeals Guidance.

Appeals register

The appeals register shows all the appeals received and determined since the 1st January 2005. This information is updated within two days of receiving an appeal or receiving a decision on an appeal.

Details of all appeals received are reported to the Planning and Development Committee on a monthly basis.

You can access further information relating to appeals using our online Register of Planning Applications.  This service runs in 'real time' and is updated continually.