Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a planning application because an appeal to Planning Inspector was exercised.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about the way the Council considered his planning application.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We cannot investigate a complaint if someone has appealed to a government minister. The Planning Inspector acts on behalf of a government minister. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6)(b), as amended)
3. The Planning Inspector acts on behalf of the responsible Government minister. The Planning Inspector considers appeals about:

• Delay – usually over eight weeks – by an authority in deciding an application for planning permission
• A decision to refuse planning permission
• Conditions placed on planning permission
• A planning enforcement notice.

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by the complainant.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. Mr X submitted for planning application for a residential development in 2025 which was subsequently refused. Mr X appealed to the Planning Inspector and this was refused in February 2026.
7. Mr X argues that the Council did not explain or verify key factual inputs (such as the site/developable area), used undefined subjective terms without evidence or guidance, failed to record consideration of the full development range (1-2 dwellings), and did not provide transparency about its internal checks or methodology.
8. I am satisfied that the criticisms of the Council’s process and decision were matters for the Planning Inspector. The Ombudsman cannot investigate a matter which has been appealed to the Planning Inspector. The complaint is therefore out of jurisdiction.

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Final decision

9. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he appealed to a Planning Inspector.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman