Planning application appeals
From 1 April 2026, new rules apply to planning application appeals.
If an application is submitted on or after this date and then appealed, it will usually be decided using the Part 1 written representations procedure.
Under this procedure, the Planning Inspectorate will only consider information that was available when the council made its decision. This includes:
- the planning application documents
- comments submitted by the public
You cannot submit new documents or comments once an appeal has been made.
Find more information in the government’s guidance on planning appeals.
When do we consult on an application?
First we check an application to make sure all the correct information has been given. Then we decide whether we need to consult in line with the law and our consultation standards.
How do we consult on an application?
The way we consult depends on the type and scale of the application.
We may do one or more of the following:
- put up notices near to the proposed development site
- place notices in the newspaper.
In certain cases by law we have to consult statutory groups such as English Heritage. Where a proposal might affect a conservation area, we will consult with the relevant Conservation Area Advisory Committee (CAAC).