The site visit

The Inspector will want to see the site involved in the appeal before they make a decision. But, because everyone concerned has to make their case in writing, no discussion is allowed during the visit.

If the Inspector can see enough of the site from the road or a public viewpoint, they will visit the site alone. If that is not possible, the appellant and the local planning authority’s (LPA) representative will go with the Inspector.

There is normally no need for other people to take part in the site visit. However, if you own a property nearby and you want the Inspector to see the appeal site from your property, you should tell The Planning Inspectorate this when you write to them. They will then tell you the date and time of the visit.

The Inspector will decide whether they need to come onto your property. If they do, the appellant and an LPA representative must come too. You will not be able to discuss the case, but you can point out relevant facts and features.

It is sometimes difficult to know what you are allowed to say, but here is an example.

Your neighbour has applied to build an extension on his home, and you have written to tell The Planning Inspectorate that this extension will overlook some of your windows.

You can say to the Inspector: ‘These are the windows I mentioned in my letter.’

But you cannot say: ‘These windows will be overlooked because …’