Planning applications for building, extending or converting homes, offices or shops are handled by each of Surrey's borough and district councils.
We, at Surrey County Council, only deal with applications for minerals or waste-related developments, and for developments to its own property, such as schools and libraries (known as Regulation 3). Note, Regulation 3 applications have no appeal options (because it is not possible for an entity to take action against itself). This is why it is our protocol to not refuse planning applications, they are either sent back to the applicant for reconsideration or withdrawn.
Reason for an appeal
Appeals on minerals and waste applications may be made on one of the following three grounds:
- refusal of a planning application
- failure to determine a planning application within the prescribed period, normally within 8 or 13 weeks of validation of the application depending on the application type, or agreed extended period
- in respect of any condition attached to a permission, approval or consent issued.
Appeals against enforcement notices may be made on a number of grounds relating to the issuing of the notice including the steps required to comply, the period for compliance, and that planning permission should be granted.
Who can appeal
Appeals in connection with planning applications can only be made by the applicant within six months of the decision. Appeals must be made in writing to the Planning Inspectorate, an executive agency of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities acting on behalf of the Secretary of State.
Only the person or persons on whom an enforcement notice was served can lodge appeals against enforcement notices.
Details of how to obtain appeal forms and where to submit the completed appeal are attached to the notice of the decision on planning applications and enforcement notices.
Members of the public cannot appeal an application being granted planning permission. If they believe the planning authority has acted unlawfully in the process of granting the application then they can request a judicial review. This must be done within six weeks of the decision.
Further information about making an appeal or participating in the appeal process
Information on how to lodge an appeal, appeal forms and the appeals process, including how appeals are heard and how people other than the appellant, including local residents, can participate in an appeal can be found on the websites of the Planning Inspectorate website or via the Planning Portal website.
The Planning Inspectorate also runs the Appeals Casework Portal, which enables most types of appeal to be made online and allows searching and commenting on current appeals. There are guidance documents on taking part in a planning, listed building or enforcement appeal available.
Judicial reviews are managed by the Planning Court. It is strongly recommended you seek independent legal advice before embarking on a judicial review.
Information about appeals involving Surrey County Council
Information about appeals currently lodged with the Planning Inspectorate against decisions made on planning applications, or enforcement notices served by the county council can be found on our current minerals and waste planning appeals webpage. All appeal documents will be on our online register.
