What does it cost

The appeal process itself is free. Unlike the application process, there is no fee for submitting an appeal.

However, you and the local planning authority (LPA) normally have to pay your own expenses for your appeal, whether it is decided by the written procedure, a hearing or an inquiry.

If the appeal is to be decided by a hearing or an inquiry, you can ask the Inspector to order the LPA to pay all or some of your costs. The LPA can also ask for you to pay some or all of theirs.

The Inspector will only do this if the person applying can show that the other side behaved unreasonably, and put them to unnecessary or wasted expense.

If your appeal is to be decided by a hearing or inquiry, The Planning Inspectorate will send you their separate guide 'Costs awards in planning appeals'. It is important that you read this guide because it explains how, when and why you can make an application or have an application made against you.