Planning appeals: procedural guide - for appeals relating to applications dated on or after 1 April 2026
Summary
The Planning Inspectorate has published a procedural guide for planning appeals relating to applications submitted on or after 1 April 2026. The guidance explains the updated written representations process, the relationship to the Town and Country Planning (Appeals) (Written Representations Procedure) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, and key expectations for appellants and local planning authorities.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors involved in planning, development advice or appeal support need to understand the new appeal process and timing rules. The guide also highlights the importance of clear refusal reasons, appeal readiness and costs risk, which can affect case strategy and client advice.
Key points
- Applies only to appeals for applications dated on or after 1 April 2026.
- Sets out a new process for Planning Inspectorate appeals under amended regulations.
- Reinforces that appeals should be a last resort, not a bargaining tactic.
- Local planning authorities are advised to record clear refusal reasons and committee minutes.
- Costs may be awarded where a party behaves unreasonably.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
