How to appeal a planning decision

How do I make an appeal against a planning decision?

If you're unhappy with our decision on your planning application, you have the right to appeal this decision. To make an appeal, you must submit the necessary forms within the time limit. The government provides more information about the appeal process.

Planning appeals are decided by the Planning Inspectorate, an independent agency responsible for planning decisions in England. 

You can appeal against:

• the refusal of planning permission, listed building consent or advertisement consent
• the issue of a planning enforcement notice
• after a minimum period of two months from the date of the receipt of a valid application, if no decision has been issued by the council (unless a time extension has been agreed in writing)

Access appeal guidance and forms 

Who can appeal?

Appeals can only be made by or on behalf of the person who made the application. There is no 'third party' right of appeal. This means that objectors or anyone else who has an interest in the proposal can't make an appeal if they're unhappy about the decision.

What are the time limits to make an appeal?

• Planning, listed building and advertisement appeals – six months from the date you received the decision notice. If you have not received a decision, you can appeal for up to 6 months from the date your decision was due to arrive (unless a time extension has been agreed in writing)
• Enforcement notice appeals – if your application was refused, you have 28 days from the date on your decision letter to appeal; if the enforcement notice came after your application was refused, you have up to 6 months from the date on your application decision letter

The government offers more information about the time limits for making an appeal.

Page last updated: 21 November 2023