Planning Appeals Service

Unfortunately not all planning applications are granted planning permission.  In the event of a refusal of planning permission, an applicant has the right of appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, an independent decision making body based in Bristol.

An appeal to the Planning Inspectorate can take three different forms, written representations, informal hearing or Public Inquiry.  These forms of appeal vary in complexity based on the type of application being appealed.

Applications for domestic extensions and individual dwellings are generally heard via a simple written procedure, in which we can provide a full written statement justifying the development against the Council’s reasons for refusal.

For more complex dwellings, barn conversions, agricultural workers dwellings and applications for small scale residential developments, these are generally heard via the hearing process.  Should an appeal be determined in this way, we can provide the same written statement, a rebuttal of the Council’s written statement and attend the hearing itself to give verbal justification against any reasons for refusal.

For large industrial development, including minerals and waste development large scale residential developments and complex and controversial developments, a Public Inquiry may be held.  A Public Inquiry includes legal representation and cross-examination of witnesses.  Our chartered planners can act as expert witness on all planning matters and have experience of project managing Public Inquiries, including instructing Counsel, providing expert evidence, co-ordinating a team of witnesses, assisting the advocate and liaising with the Council and the planning inspector.