Planning appeals fee quadruples

Environment Minister Steve Luce recently authorised a rise in the charge, meaning that the cost of some appeals leapt from £300 to £1,200.

Initially the funds needed for the new planning appeals system – introduced last year – were raised partly by charging appellants, but were mainly covered by the Treasury Department’s central funds.

However, when the Environment Department’s bid for money to cover the 2016 programme was cut as part of the Medium Term Financial Plan last year, appeal prices were increased to ensure that the system remained operational.

Now, applicants who appeal against a refused project are charged £1,200 for major schemes and £400 for minor ones.

Third party appellants are charged £1,200 and all other appeals cost £400. Previously appeals cost between £100 and £300.

Deputy Scott Wickenden, a member of the Planning Committee, is currently working on a proposition to maintain appeal costs at roughly their original level for the next two years.

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