Appeal a decision about a lawful development certificate
Make an appeal
You can make an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate online or by post.
If you want to appeal more than one decision you must make a separate appeal for each.
You also need to send a copy of your appeal, including all supporting documents, to your local planning authority. The Planning Inspectorate will tell you how to do this.
Documents you must provide
You’ll need to submit copies of:
- your original application
- the local planning authority’s decision notice - if they did not make a decision, send a copy of the letter acknowledging your application
- all plans, drawings and documents you sent to the local planning authority
- any letters or emails between you and the local planning authority
- your appeal, if you’re appealing by post
You’ll also need to submit:
- a map of the site
- any other documents that directly support your appeal, for example your grounds of appeal
If you think your land or building is now lawful because the time limit for enforcement has passed, you also need to submit evidence like:
- dated photographs of the site
- letters from neighbours
- receipts or invoices for work
- plans and drawings
You can upload these documents when you appeal online or post them to the Planning Inspectorate.
Appeal online
You must have copyright permission to use any drawings or other documents.
You can upload Word documents, images or PDF files up to 15MB. Do not send web links to files - send the files themselves.
All files must be:
- a single document, appendix or image
- given file names that describe what they are
Appeal a decision about a lawful development certificate on the Appeals Casework Portal.
Appeal by post
Contact the Planning Inspectorate by phone for an appeal form to appeal by post.
The form will tell you where to send the completed form and required documents to.
Contact the Planning Inspectorate
You can ask for an appeal form over the phone or if you need help using the online service.
By phone
Planning Inspectorate customer support team
Telephone: 0303 444 5000
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm (except public holidays)
Find out about call charges
Online
You can also ask a question or make a complaint online.