How Successful are Planning Appeals?
If you are denied planning permission, it can be quite a blow for you and your project. Stopping you in your tracks with a complicated system which can make or break your plans. Since 2018 the data shows a steady drop in allowed planning appeals. In this blog we review the falling success rate of planning appeals, what is causing this and how to avoid it. If you are refused planning permission in London or the home counties contact our team for more advice.
The Inspectors Role
Many people believe that Planning Inspectors have been instructed to dismiss more appeals. This is not the case. In any appeal, individual Inspectors will decide about the weight to be attached to any relevant factor. They must work within the established legal and policy framework. Therefore, there has been no internal process changes to affect the rates.
So Why is the Success Rate Dropping?
There are many factors which contribute to the drop in the appeals allowed, such as the pandemic. However, many appeals are dismissed due to technicalities rather than planning objections. Failing to accord with relevant planning policy is a common cause for dismissal. Stewart Management and Planning Solutions can help you avoid this matter completely with our extensive knowledge of the system. We can also advise on when a challenge to planning policy is most likely to be successful.
What Can I Do?
We advise that an appeal is only worth pursuing if there is at least a 50% chance of success. However, it is worth pointing out that the odds are still significantly against a successful appeal. The best chance of success is to avoid having to make an appeal by making the planning application as strong as possible in the first instance. Seeking the services of a town planner in the earliest stage will often save you time and money.
Book a Consultation
If you are looking to get planning permission in London or appeal an existing decision, call us today. We offer an initial consultation free of charge, which means it costs you nothing to see if we can help.
