Anyone else involved

Any other people who have an interest in your appeal, for example environmental groups or neighbours, are called 'interested people'. The Planning Inspectorate will give them a chance to tell them what they think about your appeal. However, any objections on the planning merits of the case will not be considered by the Inspector.

How they find out

The Planning Inspectorate ask the LPA to write to anyone who lives in nearby property and others who they think are affected by your appeal. The Planning Inspectorate ask the LPA to let interested people know the procedures they will use to decide the appeal and the timetable for receiving their comments. The LPA will also let people know that the planning merits of the development are not relevant and comments should only be made on the facts of the case.

The Planning Inspectorate will send copies of comments they receive from interested people to you and the LPA.

For appeals that The Planning Inspectorate are deciding by inquiry or hearing, the LPA will also tell interested people about the arrangements and invite them to come. They can also inspect, at the Council's offices, the grounds of appeal and the LPA's written evidence supporting their decision.

If there is going to be an inquiry, you must put a notice, that The Planning Inspectorate will send you, on the appeal site. The LPA may also have to put up notices in public places and tell the local papers.

Before The Planning Inspectorate take the views of interested people into account, they will give you and the LPA a chance to see the comments they have made and give The Planning Inspectorate your views.