About AppealBase™

AppealBase™ is a free, open-access web application that allows users to search the full text of most planning appeal decision notices issued by the Planning Inspectorate in England. It's designed to help architects, planning consultants, and other built environment professionals access real inspector reasoning to inform better planning applications, and reduce the risk of refusal.

Who it's for

  • • Architects writing Design & Access Statements or pre-empting refusal risk
  • • Planning consultants researching precedent, appeal likelihood, or inspector logic
  • • Developers and planning-savvy clients reviewing similar decisions
  • • Anyone who wants to understand how inspectors think

Key features

Full-text search

Search the entire text of each decision notice. Results are ranked by relevance, so more meaningful decisions appear first.

Advanced filtering

Filter results by Local Planning Authority, decision, development type, appeal type, and decision date to find relevant cases.

Open access

No account required, no subscription or credit card. Unlimited use — built to become a daily tool, not a trial.

Clean interface

Modern, fast, and designed for professionals. Optimised for reading and discovery, with direct links to the official Appeals Casework Portal.

Data source

AppealBase™ searches through planning appeal decision notices issued by the Planning Inspectorate in England. Each decision includes the full reasoning, conditions, and conclusions from the inspector's determination. Links are provided to the official Appeals Casework Portal for additional context and documentation.

Privacy & usage

AppealBase™ is committed to open access and privacy. No user accounts are required, no personal data is collected, and all searches are anonymous. Your use of AppealBase™ is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Statement.

Contact & questions

For any questions or feedback, please contact info@appealbase.com.