Non-Determination Planning Appeal Success Against Horsham District Council

Planning appeal success in Horsham for two family homes following non-determination. I secured permission by addressing design and policy issues, demonstrating how a planning consultant can progress stalled applications and unlock development sites.

PLANNING APPEAL SUCCESSHORSHAMWEST SUSSEX

Andrew Ransome

5/9/20262 min read

In 2016, I won a non-determination planning appeal for the construction of two family homes in Horsham, West Sussex, following a failure by Horsham District Council to make a timely decision.

The scheme proposed a pair of well-designed dwellings on a sustainable site, making efficient use of land while contributing to local housing supply.

Rather than wait indefinitely for a decision, I progressed the project through a non-determination appeal—an important route where applications are delayed beyond statutory timeframes.

The objective was to move the project forward proactively, ensuring that the merits of the scheme were properly assessed through the appeal process.

The Planning Issue

The key challenge in this case was not just policy or design—but the planning delay. Horsham District Council had failed to issue a decision within the required timeframe, effectively stalling the development.

At the planning appeal, I prepared a full planning case, addressing the likely concerns around character, layout and impact on the surrounding area. This included demonstrating that the proposal responded positively to local context and would not result in harm to neighbouring amenity.

Non-determination appeals require a strategic approach—anticipating and addressing issues without the benefit of a formal refusal reason. By presenting a robust, policy-led case, I ensured that the Inspector could assess the proposal on its planning merits alone.

The Planning Inspector allowed the appeal and granted planning permission.

This case highlights how a planning consultant can take control of delayed applications, using the planning appeal process to unlock sites and avoid unnecessary stagnation.

Planning Appeal Advice

If you have a development project and you have received a planning refusal, contact me for practical advice on whether an appeal is the right option and how to proceed.

Andrew Ransome MRTPI Email: andrew@adpltd.co.uk | Tel: 01206 242070

About me

Andrew Ransome is the planning director at ADP and is a chartered member of the RTPI, with over 22 years of town planning experience.

Andrew has extensive experience offering strategic planning solutions to challenging projects in both rural and urban settings. Follow him on Linkedin.