Planning appeals get cheaper

Thursday 26 February 2015

You can now avoid expensive courtroom battles when fighting a planning decision.

A new merits-based appeals system is being introduced next month that should make appeals more affordable for everyone.

After a debate last year, States members agreed on Tuesday to a change to the Planning and Building Law so that Islanders don’t have to go through the Royal Court and all cases can be reviewed by independent inspectors.

Appeals will be held at short hearings or through written submissions but it will still be up to the Planning Minister to decide whether they finally get given the green light.

Planning and Environment Minister Deputy Steve Luce said: “The new appeals system offers an accessible and efficient way for appeals to be considered and I am delighted it will offer a simpler and more cost-effective system.

“It is the result of extensive work and consultation by politicians, States departments and other stakeholders and I am pleased that that the new system retains the constitutional element of appeal decisions being made by someone who has been elected and is accountable.”

You'll be charged to use the system - it will cost £300 to appeal against the refusal of planning permission for a major development and £100 to appeal against the refusal of planning permission for a minor one.