Planning Appeals/ Listed Building Appeals

In the event that an application for planning permission and/or listed building consent is refused, DLA Town Planning Ltd can offer an expert analysis of the best way forward.  In many cases consideration should be given to the submission of a revised application to the Local Planning Authority, if a satisfactory compromise can be found.  

However, for a variety of reasons this is not always possible or desirable and we can advise you of the chances of success of lodging an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate, an executive agency in the Department for Communities and Local Governement (DCLG).

We have a large and varied appeal caseload, ranging from written representation appeals through to hearings and complex public inquiries and we can advise you as to which procedure would best suit your needs, budget and timeframes:  

Written Procedure
The written procedure involves the submission of a written document from both the Appellant and the Local Planning Authority and is normally the quickest and cheapest method. The appointed Inspector will make a judgement following consideration of all submitted material, and a visit to the site.

Hearing Procedure
The hearing procedure is less formal than inquiries and involves an informal discussion with everyone, including the Inspector, seated round a table, usually followed by a site visit. Legal representatives are not usually involved as hearings are aimed at being quicker and cheaper than an inquiry.

Inquiry Procedure
The inquiry procedure involves a more formal event, where individual witnesses may be cross-examined by Counsel in front of the Inspector. Inquiries are used for complicated or controversial applications or where it is necessary to cross-examine witnesses.