What to do if your application is refused or delayed

If the council refuses permission or imposes conditions, it must give written reasons.

If you are unhappy or unclear about the reasons for refusal or the conditions imposed, talk to staff at the planning department.

Ask them if changing your plans might make a difference. If your application has been refused, you may be able to submit another application with modified plans free of charge within 12 months of the decision on your first application.

Alternatively, you may wish to consider appealing to the National Assembly for Wales.

If think the council's decision is unreasonable, you can appeal to the National Assembly for Wales. Appeals must be made within six months of the date of the council's notice of decision.

You can also appeal if the council does not issue a decision within eight weeks. unless you have agreed in writing to an extension of that period. If you appeal, your application will be out of the council's hands and it may take longer to decide than if you had persevered with the council.

Appeals are intended as a last resort and they take several months to decide. It may be quicker to discuss with the council whether changes to your proposal would make it more acceptable.