The Government has introduced a substantial overhaul of the planning appeals system, marked by the publication of an updated Planning Appeals Procedural Guide on 12th February 2026. The new framework applies to all appeals relating to planning applications submitted on or after 1st April 2026 and aims to speed up the appeals process, offering clearer expectations for appellants, local authorities and interested parties.
A central feature of the reform is the shift toward more structured and streamlined appeal routes, with a key change being that the Planning Inspectorate will decide which procedure each appeal will follow, with most appeals being proceeded with under the written representations procedure. The choice of procedure made by the Inspectorate can be requested for review by a senior officer and, subject to notification, may change though the ‘default’ procedure will be via written representation. This expedited process will rely largely on the evidence submitted during the original planning application, with limited or no opportunity to introduce new material at appeal stage. The Government’s rationale, as explained in interim guidance, is to encourage fully developed, “appeal‑ready” applications from the outset and reduce delays associated with late evidence.
While the updated appeals framework represents a bold attempt to speed up decision‑making and encourage more robust applications from the outset, the practical implications remain to be seen. The heavier reliance on written representations and tighter limits on new evidence may streamline some cases, but could also risk oversimplifying more complex or evolving proposals. Likewise, shifting procedural control firmly to the Planning Inspectorate may improve consistency, yet it may leave some appellants feeling they have less opportunity to fully present their case. As with any major procedural change, the real test will come once the system is in operation from April 2026. For now, we will be watching closely when the change comes into effect. Chapman Lily Planning are happy to provide assistance in navigating the new Planning Appeals process.
