You have the right to appeal any planning refusal. Here's exactly how the process works, what it costs, and what actually improves your chances.
For householder applications (extensions, loft conversions), you have 12 weeks from the date on your decision notice to lodge an appeal. For most other applications (full planning, change of use), the deadline is 6 months. Miss these deadlines and you lose the right entirely — so act quickly.
The Planning Inspectorate — an independent government body that reviews decisions made by local planning authorities. An appointed Inspector will review your case without any involvement from your original council.
Most householder appeals are decided by written representations — you submit a statement, the council responds, the Inspector makes a decision. Larger or more complex cases may go to a hearing (a structured discussion) or a public inquiry (formal, with legal representation). Written representations are cheapest and fastest, typically 3-6 months.
Your grounds of appeal must directly challenge the council's stated reasons for refusal. Don't introduce new arguments or changes to the scheme — address exactly what the council objected to. Precedent is your most powerful tool: show the Inspector that similar developments have been approved nearby. Include references, addresses, and decision dates.
Appealing to the Planning Inspectorate is free. However, if you instruct a planning consultant to prepare your appeal statement, expect to pay £500-£2,000 for a householder appeal. Planning Decoder can draft your appeal letter for £19.99 — citing your exact refusal reasons and relevant local precedents.
Paste your refusal notice and we'll tell you your appeal likelihood and help you draft the letter.
✓ Check my decision free →