Appeals against decisions on applications for planning permission and listed building or conservation area consent can now be submitted online through the Planning Portal.

The Planning Casework Service lets users submit and track appeals online. The system also permits the submission of local authority questionnaires and pre-prepared documents (e.g. statements) electronically.

In addition to submission, the Planning Casework Service lets users search for cases and view map-based results as well as access selected details about an individual case, including appeal progress.

Over 25 per cent of local planning authorities (LPAs) are now working with the Inspectorate in relation to online enforcement and lawful development certificate cases.

LPAs working with the Inspectorate are accepting copies of appeals that have been made online to a nominated email address, accepting email correspondence from the Inspectorate and sending correspondence using the facilities of the Planning Casework Service.

The Inspectorate will be encouraging the remaining local authorities to join the service over the coming months to provide a better service to their customers.

More information about the Planning Casework Service is available on the Planning Portal http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/pcs .