Check the deadline first
For a refused householder application, the normal deadline is twelve weeks from the date on the decision notice. For a householder non-determination appeal it is six months from expiry of the council's decision period; an appeal against conditions on a householder permission normally has six months from the decision notice. [3][4]
Other planning appeals commonly have a six-month period, but this is not universal: minor commercial refusals and advertisement cases have different deadlines. Related enforcement action can trigger shorter periods. Use the guidance for the precise appeal, not a generic six-month reminder. [4][5]
The Inspectorate must receive the appeal and required supporting documents in time. Start by collecting the application, decision, relevant plans and correspondence, then check the required submission list for the procedure. [4]
Which procedure will be used?
Appeals may proceed through written representations, a hearing or an inquiry. The Planning Inspectorate decides the appropriate procedure; it is not simply selected according to the applicant's preference. The appeal-start correspondence sets out the route and subsequent timetable. [6]
For applications dated on or after 1 April 2026, the expanded Part 1 written procedure applies to many appeals. It normally uses the existing application record, with no routine opportunity to introduce a redesigned scheme or evidence withheld at application stage. Non-determination cases follow the Part 2 written route where written representations are used. [2][4]
An application dated on or before 31 March 2026 falls under the earlier procedural guide, even if the appeal is submitted later. Check the application date rather than assuming the appeal submission date determines the regime. [7]
Build the case around the planning issues
Address each refusal reason and identify the evidence supporting your position. For a conditions appeal, explain the concern with the actual condition. For non-determination, explain why the proposal should be approved; a list of unanswered chasing emails is not the planning case. [1][4]
Keep the submission focused and consistent with the documents permitted under the chosen procedure. Where a material change in circumstances may justify additional evidence, ask how the Inspectorate's exception applies instead of assuming acceptance. [4]
Timing, costs and the outcome
There is no single guaranteed appeal duration. Procedure, completeness and case circumstances affect the programme; use the Inspectorate's current case correspondence rather than treating an advertised target as a promised decision date. [6]
An ordinary planning appeal has no application fee, but professional and other expenses remain your responsibility, and unreasonable behaviour can lead to an award of costs. An appeal decision can also include conditions that need attention before work starts. [1][7]