Decision Makers · National
The planning inspectorate.
Every refusal in London is measured against one question: would it survive appeal? The Inspectorate is the backstop — it overturned the council on 26.3% of 10,156 London appeals (2020–2026), and when councils defend badly it awards costs against them.
National body10,156 London appealsThree procedure routesCosts jurisdiction
Refusals overturned, by borough
16%44% overturned
London appeals on record
10,156
London overturn rate
26.3%
Costs awarded against councils
397
Inspectors who heard appeals
601
How it decides — the three routes
The procedure is a tactical choice, not a formality — the allowed rate climbs with the formality of the route.
Written representations
97% of appeals · 26% allowed
Decided on the papers after a site visit — the default route, fastest.
Hearings
2% of appeals · 39% allowed
A round-table discussion led by the inspector; suits disputes of judgement.
Inquiries
1% of appeals · 59% allowed
Formal cross-examination — major schemes and costs risk live here.
Where it bites — overturn rate by borough
BoroughRateRefusals tested
Hammersmith and Fulham43.3%217Hackney39.3%298Kensington and Chelsea39.2%212Hounslow33.1%317Westminster30.3%323Share of a council's refusals overturned on appeal. A high rate reads two ways: a council refusing winnable schemes — or defending them badly.
The bench — inspectors on London work
Sources & method
- [1]Planning Inspectorate (PINS) published appeal decisions for the 33 London planning authorities, linked to the originating applications.
- [2]Procedure (written representations / hearing / inquiry) and inspector attribution classified from each decision letter.