The full Annual Report of the Planning Inspectorate has recently been published, which provides an update on how they are performing: unfortunately not as well as they would hope, with a slowing down of the appeals process. The Report has helpful case studies of how appeals run, and more information on the operation of the Inspectorate.

The Planning Inspectorate has published the results of a survey with its users, and it doesn't read well. Only 57% are satisfied with the organisation, and trust dropping to 53%. It has been a busy time in planning and they are under pressure, but they recognise improvements needed. Full results here.

Latest statistics show the time taken for planning appeals to be determined by the Planning Inspectorate is still higher than a few years ago, but it is dropping. A householder appeal will now take around 4 months, and other written appeals about 5/6 months. But with local planning authorities often taking many months to determine applications, appeals against non-determination may be more popular anyway in order to get a decision.

Recent data has shown that more appeals are being dismissed now than in the past, which has led to the unusual step of the Planning Inspectorate issuing a statement on this. Increase your chances at appeal by seeing the clear advice in our book.

Securing planning permission for a house in the countryside is very difficult. One route can be through 'paragraph 79' of the National Planning Policy Framework, which allows houses in the countryside if they are of exceptional quality. But they are difficult; only two houses on this basis have been allowed at appeal in the last 10 years. So if you're thinking of this route you'll need the highest quality design, and the best case put at appeal.

We have a new video on YouTube - a quick guide to show you how to find out if your land or property is at risk from flooding. This is an important matter to consider if you're thinking of extending your property or building on a plot of land. You may need a flood risk assessment to show that you can build. Or the development you want to undertake might be ruled out by the risk of the flooding. Find out before you make what could be a costly mistake.

Earlier this year the Government introduced new housing targets for local authorities, with numbers coming from a new algorithm. That saw greater increase in rural areas, prompting a backlash by many. This 'mutant algorithm', as it was dubbed, has now been changed to increase housebuilding in urban areas: an uplift of 35% will instead be applied to 20 cities and urban centres.

Costs can be awarded in planning appeals against any party involved in the process: appellant, local planning authority or third parties. Costs can also be claimed, and local planning authorities understandably often want to try to recover what can be large sums in the biggest cases. This Council in Ledbury is planning to do just that.