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planning appeals

Whether you are considering making an appeal, commenting on an appeal or researching the planning history of a property the following page (we hope) will provide some useful links and advice.

If you want to search for planning appeals made in Coventry then click on the link to Coventry's Planning Portal where you can search the planning register for all appeal documents from 1948 to the present day.

Information on recent appeals and advice on how to make an appeal can be found by visiting the Planning Casework Site which allows you to search the planning inspectorate for appeals and give information about the status and any documents relating to the appeal .

 [The Planning Casework Site is an external "Central" Government site and is managed by the Planning Inspectorate. We are not responsible for the information provided through it.]

What is an appeal?

If you seek consent or permission to carry out particular works (such as building an extension) and the application:

• Isn't decided within a set period, or, the local authority refuses the application or grants it on conditions the applicant disagrees they will usually have a right of appeal.
• The appeal will be made to the First Secretary of State and The Planning Inspectorate administers these appeals.

Who can appeal?

Only the applicant can make an appeal.

No third party right of appeal -There is no right of appeal for interested people or organisations (known as ‘third parties’).

Who decides an appeal?

Planning Inspectors decide most appeals, but in cases where they make a report to the Secretary of State the Secretary of State decides the appeal.
Once an applicant decides to appeal our decision then we (Coventry LPA) do not make the decision we can only seek to argue our case through our statement submitted to the Inspectorate. 

How does the process work?

Once an appeal has been submitted, it will be checked to make sure that everything is in order. The Case Officer (inspector) dealing with the appeal will let everyone know the timescales for submitting information so that everyone has a further opportunity to make their case. After all the documentation has been gathered together, the Inspector will consider all the evidence in the light of:

• The development plan
• Local and national policy
• The appellants statement of case,
• The local authority’s statement of case,
• Comments made by both parties on the statements
• Comments submitted by anyone else.

It is the Planning Inspectorate or officials acting for the Secretary of State who will advise the appellant of the eventual decision.

Is it a formal process?

The appeals process results in a binding decision on all parties. Only by going to high court can a decision be overturned (see below).

The system has been split into three types of appeal so that smaller appeals (for example a domestic extension) can be dealt with quickly without the need for a great deal of expense on the part of the appellant.

There are three different ways to make an appeal

1. Written representations: - this is the quickest and simplest form of appeal where the appellant and the LPA write a report which is considered along with supporting information and a site visit by the case officer. For more information visit the Planning Portal's written representations information page
2. Informal hearings: - If the appellant or the local planning authority (LPA) doesn't agree to the written procedure, there will be a hearing or inquiry instead. Hearings are less formal than inquiries and the Inspector will lead an informal discussion on the main issues, for further information visit the Planning Portals hearings information page.
3. Inquiry: - The Planning Inspectorate hold an inquiry if the appellant or the local planning authority (LPA) decide that you can't rely on the written procedure and a site visit, and they have decided that a hearing is unsuitable, for further information visit the Planning Portals inquiry information page.

If you have any complaints or questions about the decision, or the way The Planning Inspectorate have handled the appeal you can write to:

The Planning Inspectorate
Quality Assurance Unit
4/09 Kite Wing
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Temple Quay
Bristol
BS1 6PN
Phone: 0117 372 8252
Fax: 0117 372 8139
e-mail: complaints@pins.gsi.gov.uk 

They will investigate your complaint and you can expect a full reply within three weeks. However, they can't reconsider an appeal if a decision has already been given. This can only happen if you successfully challenge the decision in the High Court.

Where can I see the appeal decision and information?

All the appeal decisions and any associated documents submitted to the inspectorate as part of the appeal process are held as part of the planning record and can be viewed at Coventry's Planning Portal. or for recent appeals you can view the progress on the Planning Casework Site .

 The information provided here relates to the most common type of planning apeal if your enquiry relates to enforcement appeals or appeals under listed building conservation area or LDC legislation then you can find  general advice on the appeals processes and how they work on the Planning Portal.

[The Planning Portal is an external government website that holds information on topics related to Planning, and Building Control and the built environment.]

The Planning Inspectorate's appeals page -An external website that offers advice on how to make a planning appeal or take part in the process.

(Planning Portal) Make an appeal online - General public - Offers guidance to the general public on how to make a planning appeal

(Planning Portal) Make an appeal online - Agent and proffessional users - Offers guidance to professional planners and agents on how to make a planning appeal

Whilst every effort is made to make sure that the information provided on Coventry's Planning Portal is accurate and complete. The information provided on appeals prior to 1991 may not be available to search by appeal date etc although it will form part of the planning documentation attached to the record.

In all cases it is best to check all planning documents attached to the record for a complete planning history and if you are in any doubt then you should contact the Planning Team  either by writing to our contact address or  e-mailing us at: planning@coventry.gov.uk or by calling the Planning Advisory desk 024 7683 1212.

If you require impartial advice on making an appeal or making representation as a community group you may be able to find help at Planning Aid (Planning Aid provides free, independent and professional help, advice and support on planning issues to people and communities who cannot afford to hire a planning consultant.)

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