The Decision

When all of the documentation has been gathered together, the Inspector will consider all the evidence, including what they see on the site visit. As well as the site visit, the evidence is likely to include:

• The Development Plan / Local Development Framework
• Local and National Policy
• Your statement of case
• Any proofs of evidence
• The Local Planning Authority’s statement of case
• Comments you make on their statement, and comments they make on yours
• Comments submitted by anyone else

The Inspector will make a decision and it will be sent to you.

How will it look?

The Planning Inspectorate will send you a copy of the Inspector's decision. It will usually:

• identify the important planning issues; and
• explain why the Inspector has come to the decision.

The Planning Inspectorate will also send a copy of the decision to the Local Planning Authority and anyone else who is entitled to a copy or who asked for one.  The decision will be published and available on the Planning Portal.

Specimen decision letter

Sometimes, the Secretary of State will make the decision. In these cases, the Inspector will send a report to him/her with a recommendation to either allow or refuse. The Secretary of State can go against the Inspector’s recommendation. You will receive a letter from the Secretary of State telling you the decision. A copy of the decision letter and the Inspector's report will also be sent to the Local Planning Authority and anyone else who is entitled to a copy or who asked for one.