Secretary of State decisions

If the Secretary of State is deciding the appeal, the Inspector will send a report to him/her. The Inspector's report will include conclusions on the issues raised and a recommendation as to whether or not the appeal should be allowed.

The Secretary of State doesn't have to accept the Inspector's recommendation and will consider everything that is relevant. Sometimes the Secretary of State disagrees with the Inspector's recommendation. This may be because he or she takes into account new evidence introduced after the inquiry, or because he or she differs with one of the Inspector's findings. In these cases you and the local planning authority (LPA) will have a chance to comment before the decision is made. If it is necessary, The Planning Inspectorate may re-open the inquiry. Someone appointed by the Secretary of State will sign the letter telling you the decision.

The Secretary of State will send a copy of the decision letter and the Inspector's report to the LPA and anyone else who is entitled to a copy or who asked for one.