A highways reason for refusal can feel final. At appeal, an independent planning inspector looks at it afresh. Understanding how they approach it helps you decide whether to appeal or resubmit.
The tests
National policy says development should only be refused on highways grounds if the impact on highway safety would be unacceptable, or the residual cumulative impact on the road network would be severe. Inspectors apply those tests to the evidence in front of them.
What persuades inspectors
- Measured visibility, based on recorded traffic speeds
- Swept path drawings showing vehicles can manoeuvre safely
- Accurate trip numbers, compared with the existing or fallback use
- Collision data showing whether there is a real safety problem
- Design solutions that answer the specific concern
What tends not to persuade
- General concern about traffic without evidence
- Objections based on existing problems the scheme does not worsen
- Standards applied without regard to actual speeds or conditions
The process
Most appeals for small schemes are decided by written representations, with a site visit by the inspector. Your evidence goes in with the appeal, so it needs to be complete and clear from the start. Hearings and inquiries are used for more complex cases.
Appeal or resubmit?
If the refusal points to a design issue you can fix, a revised application may be quicker. If the council refused without good evidence, an appeal may be the better route, and a costs application is possible where the council behaved unreasonably. A short review of the decision and the officer’s report usually shows which.
General information, not advice on a specific site. Policy and guidance correct as of October 2026.