Post decision refusal

If we have refused a planning application, we will not allow the proposed development to take place.

If you disagree with our decision, you can appeal a planning decision.

We welcome discussion regarding any refusal decision, and would prefer to try to work with you to find a solution, before the need to appeal.

Please note that only the original applicant can appeal a decision. There is currently no third party right to appeal.

When we refuse an application, we must provide a reason(s). There are several reasons as to why a planning application has been refused. 

This webpage details the reasons why planning applications are refused.

Reasons for refusal

Insufficient information

This means that not enough information was provided on one or more issues. This risk of granting planning permission, without further detail, was deemed too high.

Refusal of principle

This means that the proposed development did not fit into its local development plan, or would have resulted in residential development on a flood plain.

Refusal of details

This means that the proposed development was of poor design, or was out of character with the local area.

Refusal of harm on amenity

This means that the proposed development would have resulted in harm to its neighbourhood (for example, overlooking windows).

There may be an opportunity to make changes to your planning applications, which would then result in it being approved.

If you would like to revise your planning application, please contact us.

Material considerations

Material considerations might affect the decision we make about a planning application. Material considerations can include:

• Loss of light or overshadowing
• Traffic
• Previous planning decisions (this includes decisions of previous planning appeals)

If an application for a particular site has been refused in the past, this may affect future planning applications which include the same site.

This may affect future proposals for other sites, too.

A lot will depend on when the original decision was made, the exact reason for the refusal, and any changes in policy and or circumstance in the time since.