15. Table B1 (in the appendix) shows the method of determination and success rates for appeals decided during 1998-99, according to type of case. About 7% of all delegated appeal cases decided proceeded by public local inquiry, much in line with the figures for the previous year.
16. As in the past, the overall success rate for delegated appeals is about 30%, but with a lower success rate for advertisement appeals (21%) and a somewhat higher success rate for cases going to inquiry. The appeal cases taken to inquiry are more likely to be significant commercial developments, where the applicant has been prepared to devote resources to support a proposal perceived to have a reasonable prospect of approval. The review of results for 1997-98 showed some unusually high success rates for cases proceeding by inquiry, but this year's figures have come back much closer to the norm.
17. For the small number of appeals not delegated to Reporters for decision, nearly all cases were considered by inquiry, and success rates were very low. This reflects the importance and controversial nature of most appeal cases where a decision is taken not to delegate. Non appeal cases are also more likely to proceed by inquiry, again reflecting the controversial nature of applications that are called in for determination. However success rates are rather higher, as might be expected where a number of the proposals have the support of the planning authority.