Guides · 5 min
What to do if you are refused
A refusal is about that scheme. It is not the end of every plan.
Read the reasons
The decision notice says why. Common reasons are bulk, the neighbour’s light, a missing gap at the side, parking, or trees. Fix the reason. Do not send the same drawings in again and hope.
You can talk to the officer, change the design, and apply again. A free or cheap follow-up is sometimes available. Ask the council. You can also appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. An appeal takes time, and the inspector can still say no.
A different route
Sometimes a refused extension is later certified as permitted development, because the national rules and the council’s design test are not the same. That only works if the rights are still there and the size fits.
Do not start building a refused scheme. Enforcement can follow.
Check with your council. Rules change, and every house is different.
Questions
How long do I have to appeal?
For a householder refusal the appeal deadline is usually 12 weeks from the decision. Check the notice. Missing it matters.
Does a refusal stop a smaller plan?
No. A smaller scheme that deals with the reason for the no is a new application.
Check with your council. Rules change, and every house is different.