Our services
Planning appeals against refusal
A refusal is not always the end. We review the council's reasons, tell you honestly whether an appeal is likely to succeed, and prepare the appeal statement and submission to the Planning Inspectorate.
An appeal is decided by an independent planning inspector who looks at the proposal afresh against the development plan and national policy. A good appeal statement answers each reason for refusal directly, with evidence, rather than repeating the original application.
We have overturned refusals at appeal, including a single storey front and side extension at 8 Hilltop Road in Caversham that Reading Borough Council had refused. Sometimes a revised application is the quicker and cheaper answer, and we will tell you if that is the case.
Typical projects
- Householder appeals for extensions and alterations
- Section 78 appeals for new dwellings, conversions and changes of use
- Appeals against conditions
- Appeals against non determination
What's included
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Appeal review: A frank assessment of the reasons for refusal and the prospects of success.
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Appeal statement: A clear written case addressing each reason for refusal with policy and evidence.
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Submission: The appeal form and documents lodged with the Planning Inspectorate on your behalf.
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Final comments: Responses to the council's statement and any third party comments within the deadlines.
Our work
Planning Appeals: recent projects
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to appeal?
Time limits are strict and depend on the type of application. For householder refusals the limit has been 12 weeks from the decision date, and for most other planning refusals it has been 6 months. Check your decision notice and contact us as early as possible.
How long does an appeal take?
Most appeals are decided by written representations. Timescales vary with the Planning Inspectorate's workload and are usually several months.
Should I appeal or submit a revised application?
If the refusal turns on a design point that can be fixed, a revised application is often quicker. If the council has misapplied policy, an appeal may be the right route. We advise on both.
Where we work
Local planning guides
How the councils we work with most handle applications, with their key policies and our projects there.
Extension and conversion projects by type
Other services
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