Scope of expedited part 1 written representations process to be expanded to deal with wider range of planning appeals: Ministry

The MHCLG said: “This will not only speed up appeals but will also importantly, encourage a full body of evidence to be provided at application stage, giving local planning authorities the information they need to make decisions - aligning with universal planning principles of keeping decisions local.”

It added that initial estimates anticipate the changes to regulation being made by the end of 2025.

The Ministry said the reform aims to streamline processes to ensure planning appeal decisions can be made more quickly – “benefiting developers, local authorities and communities alike”.

More information on the changes can be found via Planning Inspectorate guidance. This reveals that the scope of the “expedited” 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 guidance says 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 document also notes that 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, it adds.

Paul Morrison, Planning Inspectorate CEO, said: “Every delayed planning decision represents potential delays to development and uncertainty for local communities. This change is a common-sense approach to planning that benefits us all by removing unnecessary administrative burdens and focusing on what matters: well-informed, timely decisions based on high-quality applications from the start.”