After the Decision

If after receiving the decision, you are dissatisfied, you have a right to complain. It is important to note that the Inspector’s decision is final and can be reconsidered only following a successful challenge in the High Court on a point of law. The Inspector undertakes a rigorous and thorough assessment of each case and takes into account the views of all parties before making a professional judgement. However, mistakes might occasionally be made and for this reason, you have a right to make a complaint.

Complaining to the Planning Inspectorate

Inspectors have no further direct involvement in the case once their decision is issued and it is the job of the Planning Inspectorate’s Quality Assurance Unit to investigate complaints about decisions or an Inspector’s conduct.

The Quality Assurance Unit works independently of the Inspectors. It ensures that all complaints are investigated thoroughly and impartially, and that replies are in clear, straightforward language, avoiding jargon and complicated legal terms. If a mistake has been made, the Planning Inspectorate will write to you explaining what has happened and offer apologies. The Inspector concerned will be told that the complaint has been upheld. The Planning Inspectorate will also look to see if lessons can be learned from the mistake, such as whether procedures can be improved upon. Training may also be given so that similar errors can be avoided in future. However, the Planning Inspectorate cannot change the Inspector’s decision to allow or dismiss the appeal. Although there is provision for the issue of a correction notice on detailed points in certain circumstances, this will not affect the outcome of the decision.

If you have any complaints or questions about the decision, or the way the Planning Inspectorate has handled the appeal, you can write to the Planning Inspectorate. You will receive a reply within three weeks.

The Planning Inspectorate cannot reconsider an appeal if a decision has already been given. In order to have an appeal decision reconsidered, it must be challenged in the High Court.

The only other alternative would be to complain to either the Ombudsman or Administrative Justice & Tribunals Council.