The Planning Inspectorate (PI) confirmed on 7 February 2018 that it is now taking an average of 24 weeks from registration for a ‘written representation’ Appeal to be determined. This is 4 weeks longer than previously advised in October 2017. Further comment also states it is taking an average of 10 weeks (from receipt) for a ‘written representation’ Appeal to be registered (the ‘start date’).
This is not the experience of Smart Planning as we are currently still awaiting registration letters for Appeals submitted in October 2017 (19 weeks and counting!).
‘Hearings’ are currently taking approximately 37 weeks and ‘Inquiries’ 47 weeks (a reduction from 67 weeks). For Householder Appeals the anticipated time to a decision is 17 weeks. Enforcement and Lawful Development Certificate Appeals, by all processes, are taking considerably longer.
Whilst confident that Appeals are now validated within one week of submission, the PI are unable to register an Appeal until an Inspector is appointed. Confirming there has been a shortage of Inspectors, the PI are currently recruiting to meet the demand. This however appears to be taking an undesirable amount of time, leaving Appellant’s waiting in the ether.