Hendon Town Hall
Barnet has become the first council in the country to launch a new system designed to make it easier for residents to appeal planning decisions.
The council is trialling an improved online Householder Appeals System that is simpler, accessible and more user-friendly.
It has been designed to replace an outdated portal that fails to meet current digital or accessibility standards and has some areas that are considered difficult to use or confusing.
Residents can appeal planning decisions if they are not issued on time, if they think the reasons for refusal are not valid, or if they are not satisfied with the conditions of their planning permission.
The new portal makes that process easier, with a more user-friendly interface, clearer guidance, and simplified, automated communications to keep everyone informed throughout the process.
Developed in-house by the government’s national Planning Inspectorate, it has been based on extensive user research with members of the public and a range of local authority representatives.
As well as helping residents, the new portal will make it easier for Barnet’s planning officers to process the 300 to 400 appeals they receive every year.
The portal is the latest in a series of planning improvements rolled out by the council. A new tool launched earlier this year, Find Out If You Need Planning Permission, made it quicker and easier for residents to check when and how to apply for permission for building works such as home extensions.
Another tool, Report A Planning Breach, made it easier for residents to report building works that might not have the right planning permission.
Cllr Ross Houston, Deputy Leader of Barnet Council and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, said:
“It’s great that Barnet has been chosen to trial this innovative new service. We’re one of the busiest planning authorities in the country, and this will simplify the appeal process for our residents and officers.
“Together with the other digital services we are introducing, this will help to ensure residents take part in the planning process, which is key to achieving our aim of delivering high-quality development that provides the homes and businesses we need while respecting the local environment.”
Following the initial trial, the Planning Inspectorate will carefully analyse feedback and data to ensure the service meets all requirements before gradually expanding the pilot to include more councils. Full planning appeals are expected to be added to the system between January and March.
Graham Stallwood, Chief Operating Officer at the Planning Inspectorate, said:
“This pilot is an exciting milestone in our ongoing efforts to modernise the appeals process, making it easier for all parties involved from appellants to local planning authorities. We’re grateful to Barnet Council for agreeing to partner with us and be the first council to trial the new service.”