Planning Appeal Services in London
Overturning a planning refusal requires a rigorous and strategic challenge to the local authority’s decision.
What is a Planning Appeal?
A Planning Appeal is a formal process that allows you to challenge a local planning authority’s decision if they refuse your application or fail to decide within the set timeframe.
Independent Review: The decision is made by the Planning Inspectorate, an impartial government body, not the local council.
Policy Based: The inspector assesses the Planning Appeal strictly against national and local planning policies.
Legal Shield: A successful result overturns the refusal, granting you the formal approval needed to move forward.
Final Authority: The inspector’s decision is binding and is usually the final word regarding the application’s outcome.
Types Of Certificate of lawfulness
Certificate of Lawfulness – Proposed Development
(CLOPUD)
Get legal peace of mind before you build. This certificate confirms that your planned extension, loft conversion, or outbuilding falls under “permitted development.” It’s a vital step for ensuring your investment is legally protected before work begins.
Certificate of Lawfulness: Existing Development
(CLEUD)
Formalize what’s already there. A CLEUD confirms that an existing structure or use of land is lawful. This is essential for works completed without prior planning permission that have been in place for more than four years (or ten years for changes of use).
When You Need a Planning Appeal
You typically seek an appeal when you believe the local authority has reached an unfair or incorrect decision regarding
- Refused Applications: When your householder, commercial, or new build application has been officially rejected by the council.
- Unreasonable Conditions: When permission is granted, but with restrictive terms (e.g., operating hours or materials) that make the project unviable.
- Non-Determination: When the council fails to give you a decision within the legal 8-week (or 13-week) timeframe
- Enforcement Notices: If you are submitting a Planning Appeal against an enforcement action regarding existing works.
Our Planning Appeal Process
Navigating the Inspectorate’s rules can be complex. Our streamlined process ensures your case is presented with the strongest possible legal arguments.
Refusal Assessment
We review the council’s decision notice to identify weak points in their argument.
Statement of Case
We draft a comprehensive Planning Appeal statement, citing relevant policies and precedents that support your design.
Drawing Preparation
While new designs are rarely allowed, we prepare clarity diagrams or 3D visuals to help the Inspector understand the site better.
Submission & Liaison
We handle the entire submission to the Planning Inspectorate and manage all correspondence until the final decision.
Why Choose Online Architectural Services
Navigate London’s planning regulations with confidence. Our experienced team handles all aspects of planning applications.
London Borough Expertise
Deep knowledge of all 32 London boroughs and their specific planning requirements
High Approval Success Rate
Proven track record of successful LDC applications across London
Council-Compliant Drawings
Professional architectural drawings that meet all local authority standards
Fixed Pricing
Transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees or surprises
Fast Turnaround
Quick preparation and submission to meet your project timelines
Related Services
Building Regulation Drawings
Compliant technical drawings for building control approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides the outcome?
The decision is made by an appointed Planning Inspector from the government’s Planning Inspectorate, who is independent of your local council.
Is a Planning Appeal guaranteed to succeed?
No. Success depends entirely on whether the council misapplied planning policy. We only recommend appealing if we believe there is a strong case.
Can I submit new drawings?
Generally, no. The Planning Appeal is based on the plans the council refused. If you want to change the design significantly, you should submit a new planning application instead.
Does it cost money to appeal?
There is no fee paid to the government for most standard appeals. However, you will need to pay for professional fees to prepare the Statement of Case.