Performance update – January 2023
Performance and other updates following the publication of our latest official monthly statistics.
On a monthly basis, we publish the latest official statistics on appeals performance, which represent the highest volume (in terms of number of cases) of the work of the Planning Inspectorate.
We also update the appeals handling times data to give customers the latest information on the average time it takes to receive a decision and provide an update on our other main casework areas.
This month we are publishing quarterly and annual tables covering a wide range of information.
Appeals
Our appeal cases are dealt with in one of three ways; written representations, hearings, or inquiries. Ministerial performance measures include an expectation to reduce average decision times over time and make our decision speeds more consistent. All our decision times are measured from the day we receive a valid appeal through to the day we issue a decision. This is the same approach Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) use for application times.
The median decision time for all cases decided in December 2022 was 30 weeks. Over the past four months (September to December 2022) decisions on appeals by hearing and inquiry have continued to be faster than before due to us focusing additional Inspectors on this work.
Our decision speeds for planning hearings have been improved significantly by our decision to align the hearing and inquiry processes from April 2022. Hearings are held much sooner, around 14-16 weeks wherever possible. We reiterate our thanks to LPAs, appellants and other parties who have supported this improvement by keeping to the revised timetable. Half of planning hearings decided in December took 34 weeks or fewer and this performance will continue to improve.
The focus on hearings and inquiries means decision times for written representations cases remains longer than we would like, and this will be the next area of focus. In December the average time for a written planning appeal was 28-30 weeks.
In December we closed more appeal cases (1,746) than we received (1.549) and we had 14,362 open cases. Resolving issues locally and avoiding appeals wherever possible will reduce the number of appeals and help us provide a better service.
The number of decisions we made in December 2022 was 1,549, above the 12-month average.
We have updated all our appeals guidance on GOV.UK to remove reference to virtual events being hosted by the Planning Inspectorate and encourage all Local Planning Authorities, Order Making Authorities, and anyone else hosting a virtual event to read this guidance.
National Infrastructure
We have a high number of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) at various stages:
- 65 where we are providing advice before submission
- 17 submitted and at acceptance, pre-examination, or examination
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1 where we are preparing our recommendation
- 7 where the relevant Secretary of State is considering our recommendation
The continuous work to examine NSIPs is key to the economic growth of the country. Some of the latest projects to be accepted for examination by the Planning Inspectorate include:
- M3 Junction 9 improvement - Upgrade to the junction to allow free movement from the A34 to the M3
- Lower Thames Crossing - a new road crossing connecting Kent, Thurrock, and Essex. Approximately 14.5 miles (23km) in length
Local Plans
There are currently 57 live Local Plan examinations in progress. Earlier this month Bedford Borough Council submitted its Local Plan to us for independent examination.
Communities use Local Plans to plan for their future and help to protect them from speculative or unwanted proposals. We encourage Local Planning Authorities (LPA) to use our advisory visits to help them get their plans in good shape and deal with challenges well before submission.