Guide to taking part in planning appeals - If you want to comment on someone else's appeal

What you can do

If the appeal is to be decided by the written procedure, you can write to us with your views. If there is a hearing or inquiry, you can still write to us, but you may also want go to the hearing or inquiry and take part.

The LPA will send us copies of any letters of support or objection they received about the planning application while considering it. If you did not write at that stage, or you did write and now have something new to say, you can write to us. But there are strict time limits for sending us your comments.

The time limits for sending your comments

Whichever procedure is followed, if you want to make written comments, you should send them to us within six weeks of the starting date for the appeal (the LPA will tell you this period when they write to you letting you know about the appeal).

The time limits for sending comments to us are important, and everyone taking part in an appeal must follow them. If you send us comments after the end of the time limits, we will not normally accept them. Instead we will return them to you. This means that the Inspector will not take them into account.

See the written, hearing and inquiry procedure sections and the diagrams and template at the appendix.

Regulating recorded evidence

Recorded evidence (video, audio or other recorded evidence) is governed by legislation. Any recorded evidence sent to us must have been obtained legally. Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (‘RIPA’) RIPA does not prohibit individuals from recording evidence as long as the recording is for their own use.

Recording evidence is prohibited if the evidence is made available to another person or organisation and, where necessary, if those involved did not give permission for its use or for the recording to take place. Those involved must also be given the opportunity to confirm the recording is accurate. If not, we will not accept it.

Getting help

If you would like help in taking part in a planning appeal, you can contact Planning Aid. Planning Aid provides free and independent advice on town and country planning issues to people and groups who cannot afford consultancy fees. You can contact:

Ian Silvera
National Planning Aid Co-ordinator
Royal Town Planning Institute
Unit 319
The Custard Factory
Gibb St
Birmingham
B9 4AA.

Phone or fax: 0121 693 1201
E-mail: planaidcoord@rtpi.org.uk
Website: www.rtpi.org.uk