How to Appeal a Planning Refusal to the Inspectorate

By the eLitigant Editorial Team · Reviewed for current forms, fees & procedure · How we check our guides

Quick answer: If your planning application was refused (or conditions imposed), or you’ve received an enforcement notice, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Householder appeals have a tight deadline — usually 12 weeks from the decision — and enforcement appeals must be made before the notice takes effect.

An appeal asks an independent Planning Inspector to look again. The grounds and the planning case you put are what count.

What is a planning appeal?

An appeal to the Planning Inspectorate (in England) against a council’s refusal, conditions, non-determination, or an enforcement notice. Most householder/minor appeals are decided on written representations.

Who needs it & when

Applicants refused permission or given onerous conditions, and recipients of enforcement notices, who want an independent review. (Wales has a separate body and rules.)

Deadlines & key rules

Householder appeals: generally within 12 weeks of the decision notice.
Other planning appeals: commonly within 6 months.
Enforcement appeals: before the notice takes effect — strict.
Set out clear planning grounds (policy, material considerations); appeals aren’t a re-run of objections on non-planning matters.

How to do it — step by step

Confirm the decision/notice and the exact deadline.
Identify your grounds against the reasons for refusal or the enforcement allegation.
Prepare your appeal statement referencing relevant policy and material considerations.
Submit via the Planning Inspectorate (Appeals Casework Portal).

How Chris helps

Tell Chris the decision and your reasons and Chris drafts your appeal statement and grounds to a high standard — you check, sign and submit. Not a law firm.

See it done — a planning appeal, drafted in minutes

An appeal to the Planning Inspectorate against a refusal, drafted to a high, professional standard — Chris builds your grounds in minutes. Scroll the sample below.

DRAFTED BY CHRIS · sampleSCROLL ↓

APPEAL TO THE PLANNING INSPECTORATE

Householder appeal against refusal of planning permission

Site: 5 Willow Way, Sampletown · LPA reference: 26/00123/HH · Decision dated: 2 June 2026

Grounds of appeal

1. The proposed single-storey rear extension is in keeping with the scale and materials of the existing dwelling and neighbouring properties.

2. The Council’s reason for refusal (loss of light to no. 7) is not supported by a daylight assessment; the extension lies to the north of no. 7 and a 45-degree assessment shows no material loss.

3. The proposal accords with Local Plan policy H7 and the National Planning Policy Framework.

The appellant asks that the appeal be allowed and permission granted.

Illustrative sample with fictional names and details. Chris drafts yours from your own facts; you check, sign and submit.

Draft your appeal →

Last reviewed: June 2026 · England (Wales differs) · CIC No. 16566612 — not a law firm.