Planning Inspectorate Performance update – October 2024
Performance and other updates following the publication of our latest official monthly statistics.
On a regular basis, we publish the latest official statistics on appeals performance), which represent the greatest 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.
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 as Local Planning Authorities.
We have made 18,176 appeal decisions in the last 12 months, an average of 1,515 per month. We now have 13,214 open cases.
We remain committed to removing our casework backlog so that all our casework is decided in consistent timeframes, whilst maintaining high standards in our decisions. We are currently focusing on reducing the number of older planning appeals by written representations appeals and enforcement appeals by hearing.
Following a consultation the frequency of the publication of these statistics will move from monthly to quarterly. We believe quarterly publications provide a better indicator of performance, less affected by temporary fluctuations than monthly releases. The next quarterly update will be on January 23, 2025.
Median decision times
The median decision time for cases decided in September was 27 weeks. The average over the past 12 months was 28 weeks.
Median decision times vary a little month to month, but decisions after hearings and inquiries continue to be made quicker, on average, compared to a year ago. This is most noticeable in relation to enforcement appeals by inquiry, where decisions are taking less than half the time, on average.
| 12 months to September 2024 median decision time | September 2024 median decision time | |
|---|---|---|
| Planning appeals by written representations | 27 weeks | 26 weeks |
| Planning appeals by hearing | 24 weeks | 22 weeks |
| Planning appeals by inquiry | 30 weeks | 33 weeks |
| Enforcement appeals by written representations | 51 weeks | 40 weeks |
| Enforcement appeals by hearing | 63 weeks | 102 weeks |
| Enforcement appeals by inquiry | 54 weeks | 22 weeks |
| All appeals | 28 weeks | 27 weeks |
National Infrastructure
We have a high number of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) at various stages, but we continue to meet all statutory deadlines:
- 62 where we are providing advice before submission.
- 18 submitted and at acceptance, pre-examination, or examination.
- 4 where we are preparing our recommendation.
- 9 where the relevant Secretary of State is considering our recommendation.
Earlier this month development consent was granted by the Secretary of State for Transport for the Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal.
Local Plans
There are currently 45 live Local Plan examinations in progress.
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.