PEOPLE refused planning permission now have longer to appeal. Applicants now have six months to appeal against a decision, twice as long as previously. The new legislation applies to all decisions made on or since October 14, 2004.

Cllr Michael Mounde, West Wiltshire District Council's planning portfolio holder, said: "Going to appeal is a potentially costly and time-consuming process, so I would always urge applicants to discuss their proposals with our planning officers before going down that route. Now that the time period has been increased, it should be easier to have these discussions."