Planning Appeals

Planning appeals may arise in cases when planning applications do not achieve the desired outcome.

Planning law is a heavily regulated area that governs how land may be used and developed; and applying for planning permission for any kind of development is a complex process, especially concerning large-scale projects and renovations.

The complexity of the planning system means that the outcome of a planning application is not necessarily guaranteed, especially since the system relies to a considerable extent upon how the local authority interprets the rules and applies these to the proposed development. If an application is unsuccessful, or if permission is granted with conditions attached, the owners or developers may have recourse through the planning appeals process.

Challenging Appeals

Planning appeals enable the appellant to challenge such decisions in the High Court or by judicial review. The property specialists at Stirling Ackroyd Legal have diverse expertise in all aspects of planning law and the planning appeals process and can provide clear and practical advice on the best course of action in the circumstances.

Only the original planning applicant may appeal the decision, although anyone else with an interest may comment on the appeal. A planning appeal must be lodged within six months of the date of the decision. You have the right to appeal a planning decision because you do not agree with it, or if it has fallen outside of the prescribed eight-week timeframe, which rises to 13 weeks for large-scale developments.

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of an application and are considering recourse to the planning appeals process, it is important to seek legal advice before making a decision. Our specialist planning lawyers will provide advice on your legal rights and the merits of the appeal.

We will look at the decision in detail to identify potential points of challenge and offer a clear and honest interpretation of the rules and how they relate to the project, draft all of the relevant documentation and represent your interests throughout the entire process.

We will always be on hand to provide updates on the progress of your case and answer any queries that you may have.

Although the outcome of a planning appeal can never be guaranteed, the property experts at Stirling Ackroyd Legal hold an unrivalled level of expertise in property law and the planning system, and will draw upon this experience in advising you upon the next step, as well as any possible alternatives that may prove to be quicker and more cost-effective in resolving the issue.

Should you wish to know more about the services we offer, please feel free to contact our client services department via our enquiries page, or give us a call 0203 058 3365.