Planning - appeals

If your application is not decided within a set period, or if you disagree with the decision that is made on your application, you have the right to appeal. Please see the enforcement pages for further information for appeals against enforcement notices.

If you are appealing against the failure to decide your application (a non-determination appeal), you must lodge your appeal within six months of the date by which the decision should have been made. If you are appealing against the decision of your application, you must lodge your appeal within six months of the date of decision (appeals for Householder applications that will follow the written representations procedure must be made within 12 weeks of the decision). If you are appealing against an enforcement notice, you must lodge your appeal before the date from which the notice will take effect.

There is no charge for a planning appeal, but applicants must bear their own expenses, which will depend on the appeal procedure and whether the applicant requires professional representations. Appeals are decided through either an exchange of written statements, a hearing or a public inquiry. Which procedure is used will depend on the nature and complexity of the case. Applicants are encouraged to negotiate with the council within the appeal period to try to resolve the problem; such negotiations do not affect your right to appeal.

Details of how to appeal are included with all decision notices which refuse permission, and with all enforcement notices.

Appeals are made to the Planning Inspectorate. Forms are available from the following address:

Kite Wing,
Temple Quay House,
2 The Square,
Temple Quay,
Bristol,
BS1 6PN.

Details of how to appeal are included with all decision notices which refuse permission, and with all enforcement notices.

You can also appeal on line by visiting the Planning Portal website, or if you are unable to use the online service, please contact the customer services team on 0117 372 6372.

For more information and guidance about the appeal process, please visit the Planning Inspectorate website.

If you would like to comment on an appeal, you are strongly advised to read the Planning Inspectorate's guide to taking part in planning appeals. The guides are split per procedure for written representations, for informal hearings and public inquiries.