Enforcement Appeals Go Digital: Paper Forms Cease 1 June 2026
Summary
The Planning Inspectorate announced that from 1 May 2026, paper enforcement appeal forms will no longer be issued, and from 1 June 2026, paper forms will no longer be accepted. All planning and enforcement appeals must be submitted via the Appeal a Planning Decision digital service. Affected appeal types include enforcement notices, enforcement notice listed building, and lawful development certificate appeals.
What changed
The Planning Inspectorate is implementing a mandatory digital-by-default approach for planning and enforcement appeals. From 1 May 2026, paper enforcement appeal forms will cease to be issued, and from 1 June 2026, paper submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances. This applies to enforcement notices, enforcement notice listed building, and lawful development certificate appeals.
Appellants and planning agents should note that the Planning Inspectorate is providing multiple support options for those unfamiliar with digital submission, including telephone guidance, community resources, and the option to employ professional planning agents. While the change is procedural rather than substantive, parties involved in enforcement appeals must adapt their processes to meet the digital submission requirement by the stated deadline.
What to do next
- Prepare to submit enforcement appeals via the Appeal a Planning Decision digital service by 1 June 2026
- Transition away from paper enforcement appeal forms before 1 May 2026
- Contact Planning Inspectorate customer service for guidance on digital submission if needed
Archived snapshot
Apr 15, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
News story
Enforcement appeal submission changes coming soon
The Planning Inspectorate is making important changes to how enforcement appeals are submitted. All planning and enforcement appeals must now be made via the Appeal a Planning Decision service.
From: Planning Inspectorate Published 10 April 2026
Submit your appeal online - dates for your diary
- From 1 May 2026 – you will no longer be able to request, and we will cease issuing, paper enforcement appeal forms
From 1 June 2026 – paper appeal forms will no longer be accepted by the Planning Inspectorate. Instead, planning and enforcement appeals must be submitted via the Appeal a planning decision service.
The changes are applicable to the following types of enforcement appeals:Enforcement notice
Enforcement notice listed building
Lawful development certificate
Digital by default, but with support available
We recognise that not everyone finds it easy to submit appeals online. If you need help completing a planning appeal digitally, several support options are available:
- Telephone guidance: Our Customer Service Team advisors can provide guidance over the phone. During busy periods, they may need to arrange to call you back.
- Personal support networks: Friends or family members who can help you submit your appeal online.
- Professional assistance: You can employ a planning agent – such as a planning consultant or architect – to complete and submit your appeal on your behalf. Agents can handle all aspects of the appeal process, including uploading documents and managing correspondence with the Planning Inspectorate.
- Community resources: Local libraries typically provide computer and internet access if you don’t have these at home.
- Citizens Advice: Can provide general guidance on the appeals process.
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Published 10 April 2026
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