Large developers have the resources to make the most of the planning system. They have the understanding that the best way to get permission is to appeal the decision, advised by several consultants.
Homeowners and smaller developers fail to appeal, in fact statistics show that less than 20% of homeowners planning refusals are appealed against. They trust the councils and case officers will make a fair decision, this is because very few homeowners are aware that they can get the case reconsidered by appealing the case. All the more, councils receive no feedback which results in the quality of their decisions does not improve.
Regrettably when homeowners accept a planning refusal without appealing, they give up on their dream of a large open plan family kitchen or live without that extra bedroom for growing children. As for small businesses, they accept less suitable, premises which developers sell land on, but at a loss.
