Appeals and Judicial Reviews
How to appeal a planning decision
There are two types of appeal. There are those that cover decisions on:
The government has published guidance on planning appeals.
All appeals must be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate on the appeals casework portal.
Appeal a full planning application
You can appeal a decision made on an application:
- if you disagree with it
- the decision was not made within eight weeks (13 weeks for a major development)
- only the person who made the application has the right to appeal
- there is no fee to appeal
- you must appeal within six months of the date on the decision notice
- if a decision was not made within eight weeks, you can appeal up to six months after the decision was due
The deadline is earlier if you’ve received an enforcement notice. You must appeal within 28 days of the notice. It is likely there will be a fee.
Appeal a householder planning application
Householder applications cover smaller projects like an extension, conservatory or loft conversion.
You can appeal a decision made on an application:
- if you disagree with it
- only the person who made the application has the right to appeal
- there is no fee to appeal
- you must appeal within 12 weeks of the date on the decision notice
The deadline is earlier if you’ve received an enforcement notice. You must appeal within 28 days of the notice. It is likely there will be a fee.
Judicial Reviews
A decision by the local planning authority can only be challenged in the courts on a point of law.
Examples could be:
- the way in which the decision has been made
- whether the correct procedures have been followed.
A challenge in the courts must be brought within six weeks of the decision.
Further information about applying for judicial review is provided by the Ministry of Justice.