Understanding the Planning Permission Appeal Process
Planning permission can be a complex and often frustrating hurdle for many property developers and homeowners. If your planning application has been refused, understanding the planning permission appeal process is crucial.
At Simon Levy Associates, we provide expert planning application advice and comprehensive planning permission help to guide you through this challenging process. Read on below for more insight.
Why Planning Applications Get Refused
There are numerous reasons why a planning application might be refused:
● Non-compliance with Local Plans: Local planning authorities have specific guidelines and objectives that your proposal must meet.
● Environmental Concerns: Issues such as impact on local wildlife, green belt policies or flood risk areas.
● Design and Aesthetics: If the proposed development is deemed out of character with the surrounding area.
● Neighbour Objections: Concerns from neighbouring properties regarding overshadowing, loss of privacy or increased traffic.
Understanding these reasons can help you address potential issues before submitting your application, but if you find yourself needing to appeal, here’s how to proceed.
The Planning Permission Appeal Process
1. Review the Decision Notice:
○ The decision notice from the local planning authority (LPA) will detail why your application was refused.
○ Carefully review these reasons to understand the specific objections.
2. Consult with Experts:
○ Seek planning application advice from professionals. At Simon Levy Associates, our team can provide valuable insights and identify ways to strengthen your appeal.
○ Our experience in handling planning matters ensures that we can offer tailored advice to meet your needs.
3. Prepare Your Appeal:
○ Your appeal should address each reason for refusal in detail, providing evidence and arguments to counter the LPA’s concerns.
○ Include any new information or changes to the proposal that mitigate the reasons for refusal.
4. Submit Your Appeal:
○ Appeals are submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, an independent body.
○ Ensure that all required documents and evidence are included to avoid delays.
5. The Appeal Decision:
○ The Planning Inspectorate will review your appeal and may visit the site.
○ A decision will be made to uphold or overturn the LPA’s refusal.
Common Pitfalls in the Appeal Process
One of the most common pitfalls in the planning permission appeal process is submitting incomplete documentation. Every piece of evidence and supporting document must be included to ensure the appeal is considered.
Ignoring professional advice is another significant mistake. Expert guidance can dramatically improve the chances of a successful appeal by providing tailored strategies and insights.
Additionally, missing deadlines is a critical error; appeals must be filed within a strict time frame, usually within six months of the decision notice. Ensuring timely submission is essential for the process to proceed smoothly.
How Simon Levy Associates Can Help
Simon Levy Associates offers comprehensive support throughout the planning permission appeal process. Our team reviews your initial application to identify and mitigate potential issues before submission
In preparing your appeal, we’ll address all points of refusal with detailed evidence and professional insights, enhancing the robustness of your case. We can represent you at appeal hearings, offering professional advocacy and significantly increasing the likelihood of a favourable outcome. Our specialised knowledge and experience provides invaluable support, guiding you through each step of the process to help you achieve your development goals.
Get in Touch
Navigating the planning permission appeal process can be daunting, but with the right support, you can turn a refusal into an approval. At Simon Levy Associates, we are committed to helping you achieve your development goals.
If you need expert planning permission help or planning application advice, get in touch with us today and let us help you make your development dreams a reality.
