When planning permission is refused, one of the first considerations for a property owner or developer is whether appealing the decision could result in planning permission being granted.
Official Planning Inspectorate statistics provide useful information about how many planning appeals are allowed. However, an overall success rate should not be treated as an indication of the likely outcome of an individual case.
The circumstances of each planning appeal are different. The reasons for refusal, relevant planning policies, planning history, supporting evidence and quality of the original application can all affect how an appeal is considered.
What Is the Planning Appeal Success Rate
The Planning Inspectorate reports the proportion of appeals that are allowed by Inspectors.
For the 2025/26 financial year, 31% of appeals were allowed overall. This compares with 30% in 2024/25, 29% in 2023/24, 29% in 2022/23 and 31% in 2021/22.
This means that, across the relevant appeal cases in England, approximately three in every ten appeals were allowed during 2025/26.
The figure should be understood as a statistical measure across a large number of cases rather than a prediction of the outcome of a particular planning appeal.
Planning Appeal Success Rate in Recent Years
The Planning Inspectorate’s annual figures show the following proportion of appeals allowed:
| Financial year | Appeals allowed |
|---|---|
| 2020/21 | 27% |
| 2021/22 | 31% |
| 2022/23 | 29% |
| 2023/24 | 29% |
| 2024/25 | 30% |
| 2025/26 | 31% |
The figures demonstrate that the overall proportion of appeals allowed has remained relatively consistent in recent years.
They should not, however, be interpreted as a guaranteed or typical outcome for every type of development.
Section 78 Planning Appeal Success Rates
Section 78 appeals are an important category of planning appeal involving decisions on applications for planning permission.
The Planning Inspectorate’s July 2026 statistical release reported an allowed rate of 31% for Section 78 planning appeals for April to June 2026.
The wider annual figures are also useful when assessing the general appeal landscape.
The Planning Inspectorate reported an overall Section 78 allowed rate of 32% for April 2025 to March 2026.
These figures can change from quarter to quarter and should therefore be considered alongside the longer-term statistics.
Does the Planning Appeal Procedure Affect Success Rates
The Planning Inspectorate publishes figures according to the procedure used for an appeal.
For 2025/26, the published figures show:
- Written representations: 30% allowed
- Hearings: 53% allowed
- Inquiries: 72% allowed
- Overall: 31% allowed
These figures should be interpreted carefully.
They do not mean that choosing a hearing or public inquiry automatically creates a greater likelihood of success. The Planning Inspectorate explains that written representations are used for the majority of appeals, while hearings and inquiries tend to be used for cases where the issues or evidence require a different procedure.
The type of case being considered therefore affects the composition of the statistics.
What Factors Can Affect a Planning Appeal
There is no single factor that determines whether a planning appeal will be allowed.
The Inspector will consider the individual planning case and the evidence before them.
Important considerations can include:
The Reasons for Refusal
The reasons given by the local planning authority should be addressed directly.
An appeal that fails to engage with the authority’s specific concerns may leave important planning issues unresolved.
Relevant Planning Policies
The development plan and other relevant planning policies form an important part of the decision-making process.
The appeal should explain how the proposal relates to the applicable policies and any relevant material considerations.
The Quality of the Evidence
Planning appeals can involve evidence relating to:
- Design
- Transport
- Highways
- Heritage
- Ecology
- Flood risk
- Drainage
- Landscape
- Biodiversity
- Residential amenity
Where a refusal is based on a technical issue, appropriate evidence may be important in addressing the Inspector’s consideration of that issue.
The Planning History
Previous applications, appeals and decisions concerning a property or development site may be relevant.
However, each application must be considered on its own planning merits and in light of the policies and circumstances applicable at the time of the decision.
Changes in Planning Circumstances
Planning policies and material considerations can change over time.
The circumstances surrounding an appeal may therefore differ from those that existed when the local planning authority originally considered the application.
Does a Planning Appeal Have a Better Chance Than a New Application
There is no universal answer to whether an appeal or a new planning application will be the more appropriate route.
The decision should depend on the specific reasons for refusal.
An appeal may be appropriate where the applicant considers that the local authority incorrectly assessed the proposal or where the existing application is capable of being defended using the available evidence.
A revised application may be appropriate where changes to the development could directly address the reasons for refusal.
For example, a proposal could potentially be amended by:
- Reducing its scale
- Changing its layout
- Altering the design
- Improving privacy
- Addressing parking concerns
- Revising access arrangements
- Providing additional technical evidence
- Addressing heritage or ecological concerns
Current Planning Inspectorate guidance advises applicants to consider whether amendments could overcome the reasons for refusal before proceeding with an appeal.
Planning Appeal Success Rate for Householder Applications
Householder planning appeals cover certain residential proposals, including extensions and other alterations to homes.
These appeals are subject to specific procedural requirements and deadlines.
The success rate for a particular householder appeal should not be assumed from the overall planning appeal statistics because the overall figures combine different types of cases.
A householder appeal should instead be assessed according to:
- The reason for refusal
- The scale of the proposal
- The character of the property
- Neighbouring amenity
- Relevant local planning policies
- The planning history
- The evidence supporting the proposal
Why the Overall Success Rate Can Be Misleading
A headline figure such as 31% can provide useful context, but it does not tell an applicant whether their particular appeal has a strong planning case.
For example, two planning applications could both have been refused, but for completely different reasons.
One may involve a relatively straightforward design issue that could potentially be addressed through evidence or amendments.
Another may involve fundamental conflict with an important planning policy.
Treating both cases as having the same prospects simply because they are planning appeals would overlook the individual circumstances.
The Planning Inspectorate itself notes that the nature and complexity of cases differ according to the appeal procedure.
How to Assess a Planning Appeal Before Proceeding
Before submitting an appeal, property owners and developers should carefully assess the original planning decision.
This can include:
Reviewing the Decision Notice
The reasons for refusal should be identified and considered individually.
Reviewing the Officer’s Report
Where available, the planning officer’s report can provide additional information about how the application was assessed.
Checking Relevant Planning Policies
The applicable local and national planning policies should be reviewed against the proposal.
Reviewing the Supporting Evidence
Plans, drawings, reports and technical evidence from the original application should be assessed to determine whether the refusal can be properly challenged.
Considering a Revised Application
Where changes could address the concerns raised by the local planning authority, a revised planning application may need to be considered alongside an appeal.
Professional Planning Appeal Advice
Planning appeal statistics can provide useful background information, but they cannot replace a case-specific assessment.
A planning professional can review the refusal and help identify the planning issues that need to be addressed.
Depending on the circumstances, professional assistance may include:
- Reviewing the planning decision
- Assessing appeal grounds
- Reviewing planning policies
- Analysing planning history
- Preparing planning statements
- Reviewing technical evidence
- Advising on appeal procedure
- Assessing whether a revised application should be considered
- Assisting with planning appeal documentation
How Charrette Law Can Help With Planning Appeals
At Charrette Law, we provide legal and planning support for property owners, developers and businesses dealing with planning refusals and appeals.
Our services can include:
- Planning refusal reviews
- Planning appeal advice
- Planning policy analysis
- Appeal documentation
- Revised planning application advice
- Planning and property law advice
- Development strategy
- Coordination with planning and technical professionals
Each planning appeal requires an assessment of its own facts, planning history, policies and supporting evidence.
Get Professional Advice on a Planning Appeal
The latest Planning Inspectorate statistics show that around three in ten planning appeals were allowed in 2025/26, but this national figure should not be used as a prediction for an individual case.
The more important consideration is whether the particular reasons for refusal can be addressed through planning policy, evidence and the circumstances of the development.
Charrette Law can assist property owners and developers with reviewing planning refusals, assessing appeal options and preparing for the next stage of the planning process.
Contact Charrette Law for professional legal and planning advice on planning appeals and refused planning applications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planning Appeal Success Rates
What percentage of planning appeals are successful
The Planning Inspectorate reported that 31% of appeals were allowed in England during the 2025/26 financial year.
What is the Section 78 planning appeal success rate
The Planning Inspectorate reported an allowed rate of 32% for Section 78 planning appeals for April 2025 to March 2026.
Does a planning appeal success rate guarantee the outcome of my appeal
No. National appeal statistics cover a wide range of cases and procedures. The outcome of an individual appeal depends on the specific development, reasons for refusal, planning policies and evidence.
Are planning appeals successful more often at hearings
The 2025/26 Planning Inspectorate statistics recorded different allowed rates for written representations, hearings and inquiries. These figures reflect differences in the types of cases using each procedure and should not be interpreted as evidence that selecting a particular procedure will improve an individual case.
What can improve a planning appeal
A well-prepared appeal should address the reasons for refusal and explain the proposal’s position against relevant planning policies and material considerations. Appropriate supporting evidence may also be important depending on the issues raised by the local planning authority.
