Analysis, insights and commentary on UK planning appeals.
From 1 April 2026, your planning submission must do all the heavy lifting. Here's how targeted planning intelligence — and correct policy interpretation — can sharpen your argument from the start.
The 2026 PINS guidance shifts the entire burden of defence onto the Officer's Report and Committee Minutes. Transparency is now a financial necessity.
After 1 April 2026, you can no longer 'top up' evidence at appeal. If it wasn't in the original application, the Inspector must disregard it.
From 1 April 2026, the Statement of Case is gone. Your initial planning submission must carry the full weight of your appeal argument from day one.