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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.

Updates to this page

Published 24 October 2024