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DEFERRALS

Don’t Panic! Usually a deferral is sought in order to carry out further inquiries or to request changes to the scheme that will make it more acceptable. Perhaps the committee would like to view the property before making their mind up. Check with the case officer concerned to find out the position.

Deferrals tend to be good rather than bad news. If your proposal is unacceptable then the Council would issued a refusal. Perhaps there are circumstances that require further attention before the committee can come to a final conclusion.

If the Council cannot determine your application within the usual 8 week period they are required to send you a request form asking for an extension of time. The extent to which your Council adheres to this requirement varies considerably in my experience. Some assiduously send out requests, others ignore the requirement completely.

Don't forget though that you would be within your rights to appeal to the Secretary of State for a decision after the due date for the decision, on the grounds of non-determination. Whether this is really worthwhile will depend upon the circumstances.

On the time honoured premise that it is "better to jaw, jaw than war, war" acceptance of a deferral is probably well advised on balance.