Refused Planning Permission? You Have Options
If your planning application has been refused, don’t lose hope — you have the right to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. And here’s the encouraging part: many appeals are successful — approximately one in three!
With the right advice and supporting evidence, your chances of success can significantly improve. But before proceeding, it’s worth exploring all other avenues. In some cases, further negotiation with your local planning authority might resolve the issue without needing a formal appeal.
However, when no agreement can be reached, an appeal may be your best (or only) option. For Householder Appeals, it’s important to act quickly — you must submit your appeal within 12 weeks of the refusal. Other Appeals you have up to 6 months to submit your appeal.
Is a Planning Appeal Worthwhile?
Absolutely. Statistics consistently show that around 33% of planning appeals are successful.
Planning appeal success rates over the past quarter January – March 2025, averaged 33%, according to statistics published by the Planning Inspectorate.
How to Improve Your Chances of a Successful Appeal
Planning refusals can often be challenged for several reasons, including:
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Misinterpretation or excessive enforcement of planning policy
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Ignoring a planning officer’s recommendation
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Overreliance on objections from third parties
When a local authority rejects an application, they must provide reasons based on planning policy. By carefully reviewing these reasons and comparing them with similar appeal cases, we can often build a strong counter-argument — or even adjust the application so that the original objections no longer apply.
Planning policy & law is complex, but with access to over 150,000 planning appeal precedents, we’re able to identify legal grounds and persuasive strategies to present your case more effectively. In some instances, expert advice within the council is overridden for political or non-material reasons — which can also be challenged.
How We Can Help
We guide you through the appeal process, helping you choose the right approach. With our expertise, case law access, and in-depth experience, we can create a strong, evidence-based argument tailored to your case.
Want to see how this works in real life?
Ask us about a recent successful appeal — we’d be happy to share the details.
Need advice now?
Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation about your planning refusal.
Other Types of Planning Appeals
Approval with Conditions
If your planning permission has been granted with conditions you find unacceptable, you can appeal. In some cases, conditions can also be modified or removed through other legal routes — we can advise on the best strategy.
Appeal for Non-Determination
If the council hasn’t made a decision on your application within the statutory timeframe (usually 8 to 13 weeks), you can appeal based on non-determination.
Lawful Development Certificate Appeals
These appeals determine whether proposed works are allowed under Permitted Development rights or whether completed works comply with legal standards.
At WPS Planning, we have a strong track record of successful appeals. If you’re considering a planning appeal, get in touch — we’re here to help you every step of the way, get in touch for a no-obligation chat.
Request a fee proposal by completing the Applications & Appeals form. The more detail you can provide, the more accurate we can be with scope and pricing. If you already have drawings, a decision notice, officer report, refusal reasons or prior advice, please upload them. In the meantime if you have any questions, please contact us via info@wpsplanning.co.uk or 01403 458169.