Costs Awards for written representations appeals The government has consulted on the possibility of allowing costs awards for written representations appeals. At the moment costs can only be awarded following hearings and inquiries. The changes will be: - allowing the Inspectorate to determine the appeal method. This will remove the right to a hearing - in order to retain the right to apply for costs in all cases, costs awards will be possible in written representations cases - power for Inspectors to make minor administrative changes (e.g. to address details) without recourse to the parties - reduction in the time allowed for appeals on householder cases from 6 to 3 months - eliminate the comments stage after exchange of evidence in hearing and inquiries cases Mercury Planning comment: The Inspectorate has a focus on bureaucratic streamlining. In recent years there has been a quality control problem with inexperienced Inspectors, but this may be improving over time. They might do better to put their own house in order before they start reducing the rights of appellants. For example, if you submit an appeal electronically they just print everything out for the Inspector. This is very resource consuming. Having said that, there is overwhelming support from business and local authorities and somewhat muted, but still majority, support from third parties. The last time they reduced the appeals period from 6 to 3 months, applicants did not have enough time to obtain permission on a revised scheme before losing the right of appeal. A tidal wave of appeals overwhelmed the Inspectorate. We cannot see the merit in this restriction.