Research

Planning, in the open

We read a lot of planning policy and a lot of planning decisions. Now and then we turn that into something worth sharing - data-led looks at how the system actually behaves, free for anyone to use.

31.1%

of appealed planning refusals are overturned in England

Planning appeals 15 June 2026

The planning appeal postcode lottery

Nearly a third of refused applications taken to appeal are overturned by the Planning Inspectorate - but the odds swing more than threefold depending on which council refused you. Explore the interactive map of all 284 ranked councils and find yours in the league table.

70,942 appeals analysed · 2021 to 2025 Explore the map ->

More research coming soon.

Built on reading the policy, not guessing.

GapSense reviews your draft application against the local plan and the national framework that will decide it, and flags the refusal risks before you file.

See how it works