Form PCPF244 UK: Planning Court Application Notice
We're not a law firm — we help you find the right legal support. For advice on your situation, speak to a legal adviser or find a solicitor.
Part ofUK Court & Tribunal Forms
If you are involved in proceedings before the Planning Court and need to ask the court to make an order, you will almost certainly come across Form PCPF244. This is the Part 23 application notice used within the King's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice, specifically for planning-related litigation.
The form standardises how parties request interim orders, case management decisions, and other procedural rulings, so the court has the information it needs in a consistent format. Whether you are a claimant, defendant, or an interested party, understanding how each section works can save time and help avoid your application being rejected or delayed.
On this page I walk through what the form is for, what goes in each part, and the practical points worth thinking about before you file. If you want to talk your situation through with someone, there is a CTA further down to book a call.
What this document is
Form PCPF244 is the Planning Court's version of the standard Part 23 application notice. Part 23 of the Civil Procedure Rules governs how interim applications are made within ongoing proceedings, and PCPF244 is the specific form tailored to cases sitting in the Planning Court, which handles judicial reviews and statutory challenges connected with planning, highways, compulsory purchase, and similar public law matters.
You would file this form when you need the court to make a decision on something during the life of a case rather than at final hearing. Common uses include asking for an extension of time, requesting permission to amend a statement of case, seeking directions, or applying for interim relief.
The form captures who the parties are, what order you want the court to make, why you think you are entitled to it, and what evidence supports your request. A fee is usually payable when the form is filed, and you should check gov.uk for the current amount.
How to use this document
- Complete Part A with the case details. Fill in the claim number, the full names of the claimant and defendant, and your own details as the applicant. You will also need to indicate whether you want a hearing in front of a judge, a telephone hearing, or for the application to be decided on the papers without attendance. If you want an oral hearing, add a realistic time estimate.
- Set out what order you are asking for. This is the heart of the application. Describe clearly and concisely what you want the court to do and the legal or procedural basis for the request. Vague or overly broad wording can lead to the judge asking for clarification or refusing the order, so take time to draft this part carefully.
- Select your supporting evidence in Part B. Tick the box that reflects what you are relying on, whether that is the application notice itself, a witness statement, an affidavit, or a statement of case. Most applications are supported by a witness statement explaining the background and why the order is needed. Make sure the evidence is attached when you file.
- Complete Part C and sign the statement of truth. Use this section to provide any further information the court should know and to confirm the truth of the facts relied on. The statement of truth must be signed by the applicant or someone properly authorised to sign on their behalf, such as a legal representative. Signing falsely can amount to contempt of court.
- Serve the form and file with the court. Once completed, file the form with the Planning Court along with any supporting evidence and the relevant fee. You will usually need to serve a copy on every other party so they have a chance to respond before the hearing. Check the Civil Procedure Rules for the applicable service deadlines.
Common questions
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.
Common questions
Q Who can file Form PCPF244?
Any party to existing proceedings in the Planning Court can use this form, including claimants, defendants, and interested parties. In some situations a person who is not yet a party but wants to be joined to the case may also use it. The form is for making interim applications during live proceedings rather than starting a new claim, which requires a different form.
Q Is there a fee for filing PCPF244?
Yes, most applications made on this form attract a court fee, and the amount varies depending on whether the application is made with notice to the other side or without. Fee remission may be available if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits. Check gov.uk for the current fee and eligibility rules before filing.
Q What is the difference between PCPF244 and N244?
Both are Part 23 application notices and cover similar ground, but PCPF244 is the version tailored to the Planning Court while N244 is the general form used across most civil courts. The structure and purpose are essentially the same. Using the correct form for the court handling your case helps the registry process it more quickly.
Q Do I need a hearing for every application?
No. Some applications are suitable for determination on the papers without any attendance, which can be faster and cheaper. Others require a hearing, particularly where the order sought is contested or has significant consequences. The form lets you indicate your preference, but the judge will ultimately decide how the application is handled.
Q What evidence should I include?
That depends on the order you are seeking. A short procedural application, such as an extension of time by agreement, may need little beyond the form itself. More substantive applications typically need a witness statement setting out the factual background, any correspondence between the parties, and reasons why the order is justified. Always serve the evidence with the form.
Q Can I file the form electronically?
The Planning Court accepts electronic filing in many situations, often through the CE-File system used for the Business and Property Courts and other specialist courts. Requirements can change, so check with the court office about the current filing options. Some urgent or out-of-hours applications may need to follow a different route.
Q What happens after I file PCPF244?
The court will review the application, allocate it to a judge, and either list it for a hearing or deal with it on the papers. You should receive notice of what happens next, including any hearing date. If the application is urgent, you can ask the court to expedite matters, but you will usually need a good reason to justify that.
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.
Sources
This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.
- Guidance · UK GovForm N244: Application Notice (gov.uk)gov.uk
- Guidance · HMCTSCivil Procedure Rules Part 23: General Rules about Applicationsjustice.gov.uk
- Guidance · HMCTSThe Planning Court (gov.uk)gov.uk
Legal helpline
Unsure how to frame your Planning Court application?
Getting an application notice right takes more than ticking the right boxes, the order you ask for and the evidence you rely on can shape how the court responds. An experienced legal adviser can help you think through your approach based on what you describe on the call.
- Plain-English answers to your specific questions about the form
- Practical perspective on what to include in your application
- Guidance tailored to what you describe about your proceedings
- A clearer sense of your next steps before you file
Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.