The Planning Inspectorate published updated average appeal timescales on 14 March 2019.
According to the figures, the average for s78 appeals (excluding householder appeals) from valid appeal to decision is 23 weeks (written representations), 43 weeks (informal hearings) and 50 weeks (inquiries).
Whilst this is bad enough, enforcement and lawful development certificate (LDC) appeals fair even worse where the average times are 40 weeks (written representations), 58 weeks (informal hearings) and 48 weeks (inquiries).
However, as bad as these figures are they do not provide the full picture; for that you have to go to the average timescales breakdown by stage.
s78 Appeals (excluding householder)
| Valid – Start | Start – Event | Event – Decision | |
| Written reps | 9 weeks | 12 weeks | 5 weeks |
| Hearings | 22 weeks | 15 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Inquiries | 2 weeks | 37 weeks | 17 weeks |
Enforcement / LDC Appeals
| Valid – Start | Start – Event | Event – Decision | |
| Written reps | 25 weeks | 16 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Hearings | 31 weeks | 22 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Inquiries | 37 weeks | 28 weeks | 12 weeks |
Unacceptable, no matter what side of the coin you are on.
We can only hope that the implementation of the recommendations in the Rosewell Report, and the recent appointment of two new Directors, will go some way to alleviate the problems, but absent additional resources at the Planning Inspectorate we fear it will be scratching at the surface.