11.1 We are committed to dealing with all appeals as quickly as possible.
We do not normally agree to hold up appeals, but in exceptional
circumstances we may agree to do so for a short period of time. For
example, to allow you and the LPA to come to an agreement that will
lead to the appeal being withdrawn.

11.2 However, we will only agree to do this if we are satisfied that it is the
most appropriate way forward, and have evidence that a quick
conclusion is likely.

11.3 If you want us to hold an appeal in abeyance, you should write to the
case officer. We will ask the LPA for their comments. Even if they agree,
we may not. It is for us to decide.

12 Withdrawing your appeal

12.1 You can withdraw your appeal at any time before we give our decision.
You may want to do this if, for example, you and the LPA agree a
different proposal, or realise that a new application will sort out your
differences without an appeal.

12.2 If you decide you want to withdraw your appeal, you should phone your
case officer straightaway and then write to confirm the withdrawal,
giving the appeal reference number. You should also tell the LPA
immediately. This is especially important if we have arranged for a
hearing to take place. If you unreasonably withdraw your appeal after we
have written to you to tell you the hearing date, you may have to pay the
costs of the other people involved in the hearing. Section 15 has more
information about costs

13 The Inspector’s decision

13.1 The Inspector will write to you with his or her decision. It will usually:

briefly describe the proposals;
identify the important issues; and
explain why the Inspector has come to the decision.

We will send a copy of the decision letter to you, the council and to anyone
else who has asked for a copy. We try to issue decisions within three weeks of
the date of the hearing or site visit.