Planning appeal results in 3 weeks

Last week, we received a decision for an appeal we submitted for associated alterations to existing front storey extension to dwellinghouse to increase height and installation of 2 side rooflights. Not only was the decision allowed, it was allowed within 3 weeks of submission. Our client views this success as a record! But for us, this quick turnaround is actually commonplace.

One of the initial questions that clients ask us, is how long it will take for their case to be determined. Council’s usually make a decision on applications within 8 weeks. The exceptions to this, being larger or more intricate developments, which can take up to 13 weeks to be determined. Appeals take a longer time to be determined. Householder appeals may take between 4-8 weeks, but any other type of appeals can take up to 43 weeks. The Planning Inspectorate lists here their average handling times for each type of appeal. A very helpful guide, but a rather sobering thought for appellants on a tight schedule.

Nevertheless, whilst the handling times at the Planning Inspectorate are out of our hands, a quick turnaround is still possible in our experience. This requires submitting your appeal in full together with every required document (in order to avoid invalidations, which delays the process) and to submit well within time. Moreover, retaining the services of a planning consultant is in itself a very time-saving exercise.