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Appeal a planning decision

The appeal process can be time consuming and expensive. Before you appeal it is worth speaking to the planning officer who dealt with your application to see if a compromise can be made.

How to appeal

If after speaking to the planning officer you still want to appeal you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

You can appeal a planning decision if:

  • we refuse your application
  • we haven't made a decision within the statutory timescales or other agreed timescale
  • you don't agree with one or more of the conditions on an approval

Only the person who made the application can appeal. If you are not the applicant, you can comment on an appeal instead.

You must appeal within six months of the date on the decision notice or 12 weeks if your application is a householder development.

Appeal a planning decision

There are three ways in which your appeal can be dealt with:

Written representations

This is the quickest and cheapest way. Both parties (the applicant and Plymouth City Council) prepare a written statement for the Planning Inspectorate to consider. A Planning Inspector will visit the site and then issue a decision.

Informal hearing

Both parties can agree to an informal hearing if the planning issues are straightforward. This is a discussion between both parties led by a Planning Inspector who will make a final decision.

Public inquiry

This is a lengthy and expensive procedure as it involves legal and professional representation. Both parties present their case before a Planning Inspector and the witnesses for each side can be cross-examined by the opposing parties.

Documents you must provide

  • The original application
  • The site ownership certificate
  • The decision notice
  • A map of the surrounding area
  • All plans, drawings and documents you sent in your application
  • Any other documents that supports your appeal (for example your full statement of case)

You can upload these documents when you appeal online or post them to the Planning Inspectorate.