Guidance

Upcoming changes to written representation appeals

Published 25 June 2025

Applies to England

1. Background

In 2009, the “expedited” part 1 written representations process was introduced. It is a simpler process than other processes for dealing with appeals and allows the Planning Inspectorate to reach quicker, high quality decisions.

Currently, the regulations limit the type of appeals that can be dealt with using the part 1 process (namely, householder and minor commercial appeals).

2. Key changes

The scope of the part 1 process will be expanded so that it can be used to deal with a wider range of appeals, including appeals in relation to:

• The refusal of planning permission or reserved matters

• The imposition of conditions on approvals

• The refusal of prior notification or prior approval

The part 1 process will also be amended so that the planning inspector will decide the appeal on the same basis and information as the planning application, without the main parties needing to submit new evidence.

Appeals made in relation to planning applications received once the revised regulations come into force will follow the new expedited appeal route. Any appeals made on planning applications received before this time, will follow the existing appeal routes.

The Planning Inspectorate can transfer an appeal from the part 1 process to the standard written representations process, or a hearing or inquiry, where the part 1 process is not best suited for handling the appeal.

There will be no change in the time limits to appeal a decision.

3. How these changes will affect appellants

The expedited appeal route will reduce the burden on appellants by removing duplication and reducing the amount of documentation they need to submit with their appeal.

Applicants should submit full details in support of their planning application to the local planning authority (LPA). We will decide all part 1 appeals on the same basis and information as the planning application, unless there are exceptional circumstances that require new evidence.

When submitting their appeal, appellants will usually only need to submit:

• a copy of their application

• the notice of the local authority’s decision and

• a brief statement responding to the LPA’s decision and why they disagree

There will be no final comments stage, as the LPA’s case will be represented by its officer or committee report and its decision notice. We will not accept further comments from interested parties for expedited appeals. See “interested parties”.

4. How these changes will affect LPAs

LPAs can help applicants by being clear about what information they need to submit with their application, including information requirements and signposting to local lists.

At the questionnaire stage of the new part 1 process, LPAs need to provide all information they considered when deciding the application. This includes:

• all plans and drawings

• supporting reports and documents

• any other relevant details

The change will reduce the pressure on LPAs, as planning officers do not submit an appeal statement or final comments with the new expedited route. Instead, the LPA’s decision notice and officer and committee reports should have enough detail to represent their case.

If members overturn an officer recommendation at committee, it’s important that meeting minutes and refusal reasons are robust and fully address any issues.

LPAs should update their notification templates to communicate that any comments made by interested parties at the application stage will be shared with the Planning Inspectorate in the event of a part 1 appeal and that they cannot comment on the appeal.

With no further comments at appeal stage, LPAs will not have to process or publish any interested party comments.

5. How these changes will affect Interested Parties

Interested parties will not need to repeat comments made at application stage as these will be shared by the LPA with the Planning Inspectorate. There will be no opportunity to comment during the part 1 appeal process.

Interested parties can choose to withdraw comments made at the application stage so that they are not considered during the appeal.

We will update our procedural guide once we receive a final draft of the regulations.