Challenging a planning decision

Appealing against refusal

If Planning Committee refuses an application (whether or not it is recommended for approval by officers) the applicant can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, which is an independent body established by the Secretary of State.

Planning Inspectors are professional planners who will look at the decision and have the power to overturn it if they feel that the Planning Committee was wrong to refuse the application.

If an applicant loses an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate sometimes apply to the High Court to have the case reviewed again.

Appealing against approval

If Planning Committee permits an application (whether or not it is recommended for approval by officers) anyone who is able to show they have sufficient interest in the application can apply to the High Court for a Judicial Review of the decision.