The popular Amazon series of Clarkson's Farm and the troubles he has had with the local planners has shown the difficulties of reconciling those who support rural development and those who are concerned with the impacts. A complex appeal and Hearing is underway to decide whether he has breached planning control, and if permission should be granted.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government's policies for planning across England, and all Councils must take this into account in their decisions. The Government is currently consulting on changes - the headlines being proposed changes to the obligation to provide housing land supply, and how Councils should view releases of Green Belt land when reviewing local plans. The consultation runs to 2 March.

Recent reports suggest that there has been a 28% increase in the number of appeals being allowed, most notably where Planning Committees have refused permission contrary to a recommendation from planners to approve, and so the Inspector has subsequently allowed the appeal. Our books can help you put your case effectively at appeal, to maximise your chance of success.

The pressure from some MPs to ditch central housing targets has led to an announcement of targets being diluted. But the Secretary of State confirms they are a 'starting point' for local authorities, who can decide figures to reflect local circumstances, which is wording that is similar to that in paragraph 11)b)ii of the current NPPF.

Targets for housebuilding have always been set by Government, with local authorities then making allocations in their local plans. But a rebellion is gathering pace to stop this approach, with Conservative MPs saying local authorities should have the say in how much housing.

Planning appeals can take a long time. A story in Suffolk reports the delays for one appellant that meant building prices increased considerably since refusal. Make sure you give your appeal the best chance of success with our guide.

An appeal has been allowed in West Sussex for new housing and costs awarded against the Council, with the Inspector describing the Council's actions as 'the eptiome of unreasonable behaviour'. All parties have a responsibility to behave correctly before and during an appeal, or risk an award of costs.

Application numbers in August 2022 were 5% lower than in August 2021. The cummulative fall from January 2022 is a 14% drop.

The new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, has said that 'it is too easy for local councils to be overruled by the Planning Inspectorate' and that she is asking the new Secretary of State to look at the issue of what powers the Inspectorate have. Will this change the appeal process? We shall wait to see.