Removing barriers in the planning appeals process

The government is in the middle of reforming the planning system to build more housing and new infrastructure. It will hopefully get more projects off the ground. The latest news of a change in the planning appeals process could have a massive impact.

Appeals

Projects can fail to get planning permission for a number of reasons. For example, they may not comply with policies, including Local Plans. Or, there could be a negative impact on the area and environment. In many cases a combination of different elements will lead planners to decide the project will do more harm than good.

Luckily, failing to get planning permission may not always be the end of a project. In various situations, you can appeal. Appeals are typically possible if you feel refusal goes against planning policy. It is also possible to appeal if you get approval but with conditions you feel are inapplicable.

The change

While the appeals process offers hope for projects, it can be very problematic. Critics say it takes too long and leaves projects in limbo. This in turn can have a negative impact on developers and the local communities.

The good news is a recent decision by Ministers will mean a change in the regulations. As a result, it will simplify the appeals process. The expectation is the change will happen by the end of the year.

Streamlining the appeals process is a great move. Most importantly, the change will ensure that in most cases the appeal will be judged only on evidence from the application phase. As a result, no new information from after the fact should be a cause to deny permission if the original proposal would get approval.

The hope is the change will make the planning process fairer. It will be faster and provide benefits for all stakeholders. Most importantly, it will help to ensure that planning decisions remain local.

A crucial thing to keep in mind is the planning appeal change puts the impetus on ensuring planning applications are high quality. They should include as much information as possible in support of the project. It could actually reduce the need to appeal at all because there should be evidence to show the full merits of the proposal, meaning approval is more likely first time.