Planning Appeal Processes: Reflections on a Comparative Study

Abstract

The author reflects on a recent comparative study of the planning appeal systems in England and three Australian states. A range of issues relating to the processes by which appeals are heard, issues of expert evidence, and the composition and expertise of the appeal body are examined. A number of areas where appeal processes might be improved are highlighted and it is concluded that although each of these systems is unique, they are all confronted by similar challenges. In a theoretical sense, the author observes that there is currently a significant lacuna in planning knowledge with respect to understanding planning-appeals processes.