Appeal your rating

If you believe the star rating awarded does not reflect the animal welfare standards and risk level of the business at the time of the inspection, an appeal can be lodged. If improvements have been made since the inspection, these are not taken into account on an appeal you need to apply for a re-visit instead.

How to appeal your star rating

Raise your concern with the inspecting officer at the earliest opportunity. Their details are on the inspection report, they may help you understand why the score was given. Please note raising your concern with the inspecting officer is not an appeal and there is a time limit of 21 days (including weekends and bank holidays) for lodging an appeal. If you think time may run out to lodge an appeal, lodge it, you can always withdraw it later

  1. To lodge an appeal of the star rating, you need to write to us. This can be by email to [email protected] or by post to Public Protection, Cheltenham Bough Council, Municipal Offices,  Promenade, Cheltenham,GL50 9SA.  Please title documentation as 'Appeal against star rating licence number: ...' include your licence number in all correspondence. You must clearly explain the reasons for your appeal.   
  2. The council has 21 days (including weekends and bank holidays) from the date we receive the appeal to consider it and issue a decision. The appeal will be considered by the public and environmental health team leader as deputy for the director of environment.  No officer involved in the production of the rating, or in the inspection, on which the rating is based, will consider the appeal.  If the team leader has been involved in the production of the rating, the matter may be dealt with by an equivalent level in another local authority or the director.
  3. An appeal against the score considers both the paperwork associated with the inspection and the past record of the business. In some circumstances a further visit to the establishment may be required. If this is considered necessary and the rating stays the same or goes down, the cost will be passed onto the applicant.  Where a higher rating is awarded, the cost is not passed on.

What if I don't agree with the outcome of the appeal?

If you disagree with our decision, it can be challenged by judicial review by application to a magistrates' court. The nearest court is Cheltenham Magistrates' Court.

If you believe our service has not been properly delivered, you can also use our normal complaints procedure.

How long do I have to appeal?

There is a time limit of 21 days (including weekends and bank holidays) for lodging an appeal.