Improving the planning appeals process

Our proposed changes include:

• a fast track system for householder appeals;
• Enabling the Planning Inspectorate to decide the appeal method for each case based on Ministerially approved and published criteria;
• Extending the power to apply for costs to be awarded to appeals dealt with by written representations;
• Making it easier to correct error(s) in appeal decisions;
• Giving inspectors authority to determine appeals for old minerals permissions;
• Changing payment arrangements of enforcement application fees when appeals are lodged so that the entire fee is paid to the local planning authority;
• Requiring that Statements of Common Ground are submitted earlier; and
• a formal process and guidance for time tables for complex inquiries.