Types of appeal

If you wish to appeal in respect of a decision that the local planning authority (LPA) has made in relation to a planning application (other than a householder application), then you can submit a planning appeal.

Normally, the decision notice from the LPA will include some notes that will confirm your rights of appeal and the time period within which you must submit the appeal.

Timeline

Most planning appeals have to be received by the Planning Inspectorate within six months of the date of the decision. You will lose your right of appeal if you do not submit it within this timeframe.

Check the time limits for making an appeal¹.

Process

The full requirements and process for submitting a planning appeal are detailed on the government website. However, there are different appeal procedures available for this type of appeal.

Read government guidance about the process for submitting a planning appeal.²

Most of these types of appeal are dealt with by means of written representations. The Planning Inspectorate will determine which type of procedure is appropriate.

Details on what the types of procedure, you should choose, and the processes and timeframes involved can be found on the government website³.

There are strict timeframes and procedures in place to ensure that relevant information is submitted in a timely manner and to enable all parties the opportunity to comment.

Other parties involved in the appeal process will include the local planning authority and people who may have an interest in the application, such as neighbours or local amenity groups. Depending on the procedure used, all will have an opportunity to make written comments on your appeal.

The planning inspector allocated to your appeal will consider all the written evidence provided by all parties and will visit the site to assess the proposal.

If the appeal is to be heard by means of an informal hearing or an inquiry, then there will also be discussion between the parties on a day (or days) set by the Planning Inspectorate.

The decision

A final decision will subsequently be made in writing after the site visit. The whole process from submission to decision should take around three months.

View government guidance or appeal a planning decision⁴.

1. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/planning-appeals-procedural-guide-for-appeals-relating-to-applications-dated-on-or-after-1-april-2026#:~:text=appeals%20guidance.-,4.%20Time%20limits%20for%20making%20an%20appeal,-4.1.%20There%20are
2. https://www.gov.uk/appeal-planning-decision
3. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/planning-appeals-procedural-guide-for-appeals-relating-to-applications-dated-on-or-after-1-april-2026
4. https://www.gov.uk/appeal-planning-decision