On a monthly basis, we publish the latest official statistics on appeals performance, which represent the greatest volume (in terms of number of cases) of the work of the Planning Inspectorate.
We also update the appeals handling times data to give customers the latest information on the average time it takes to receive a decision and provide an update on our other main casework areas.
This month we are also reporting statistics on ministerial measures including, number of cases quality assured and appeals valid on first submission.
Appeals
Our appeal cases are dealt with in one of three ways: written representations, hearings, or inquiries. Ministerial performance measures include an expectation to reduce average decision times over time and make our decision speeds more consistent. All our decision times are measured from the day we receive a valid appeal through to the day we issue a decision. This is the same approach as Local Planning Authorities.
We have made 18,278 appeal decisions in the last 12 months, an average of 1,523 per month. The number of decisions in April 2024 was 1,451.
We continue to close more cases (1,741) than we received (1,561) and now have 13,084 open cases.
We're committed to removing our casework backlog so that all our casework is decided in consistent timeframes, whilst maintaining high standards in our decisions. To help us achieve that, we've been deciding many older planning appeals decided by written representations. In April the median time for deciding planning appeals by written representations was 26 weeks. The 12-month median was 29 weeks.
The average time for deciding appeals against enforcement notices being heard by inquiry is reducing, but the range of decision times is wide. This is because we are aiming to decide newer appeals within 26-30 weeks but continue to focus on deciding older enforcement inquiry appeals at the same time. We will gradually clear older enforcement notice appeals by inquiry during this year such that decision times become faster and more consistent. We will also begin to clear the backlog of enforcement notice appeals by hearing.
As part of deciding enforcement notice appeals by hearing and inquiry faster and in a more consistent timeframe, appellants are likely to see us imposing dates for enforcement hearings and inquiries more. This may mean that appellants will need to consider using alternative advisers and advocates.
Median decision times
The median decision time for cases decided in April was 28 weeks. The average over the past 12 months was 30 weeks.
| 12 months to April 2024 median decision time | April 2024 median decision time | |
|---|---|---|
| Planning appeals by written representations | 29 weeks | 26 weeks |
| Planning appeals by hearing | 26 weeks | 27 weeks |
| Planning appeals by inquiry | 30 weeks | 27 weeks |
| Enforcement appeals by written representations | 52 weeks | 50 weeks |
| Enforcement appeals by hearing | 67 weeks | 88 weeks |
| Enforcement appeals by inquiry | 73 weeks | 47 weeks |
| All appeals | 30 weeks | 28 weeks |
National Infrastructure
The number of applications has started to rise but we continue to meet all statutory deadlines.
We have a high number of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) at various stages:
- 69 where we are providing advice before submission.
- 17 submitted and at acceptance, pre-examination, or examination.
- 5 where we are preparing our recommendation.
- 10 where the relevant Secretary of State is considering our recommendation.
Local Plans
There are currently 44 live Local Plan examinations in progress.
We encourage Local Planning Authorities (LPA) to use our advisory visits to help them get their plans in good shape and deal with challenges well before submission.
