Appeals and Inquiry Advocacy

The right to appeal against planning permission refusals or delays is a vital legal safeguard. It can provide an opportunity for applicants to have certain decisions overturned or unacceptable conditions changed.

Challenges require to be made within a short and strict time limit of just a few months and legal advice is often needed to maximise the chances of success. We have a team of experts in all areas of planning law who can prepare persuasive appeals and ensure they are made on time.

Planning appeals are normally decided by reporters who are independent experts employed by the Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA). The applicant/appellant has a choice of three procedures:

• Written submissions and site visits (this is the most common procedure),
• Relatively uncomplicated cases will be dealt with at hearings where the reporter holds a structured discussion between the parties, or  
• For complex and contentious appeals there can be a Public Local Inquiry (PLI).

In each case we can provide expert legal advice to ensure an appeal is prepared and presented in the best possible way. You can rest assured that we will make every effort to secure the right result for you.

For more information please contact Alastair Mckie.