Consulting the Secretary of State on planning decisions

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has launched a consultation to seek views on 2 proposals that require Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to consult the Secretary of State on some planning decisions.

The consultation is set out in 3 sections:

  • a new proposal for a requirement to consult the Secretary of State where LPAs are minded to refuse planning permission for specified commercial development;
  • a new proposal for a requirement to consult the Secretary of State on certain applications relating to nuclear facilities where LPAs are minded to refuse planning permission; and
  • a new proposal for a requirement to consult the Secretary of State on certain applications for planning permission for residential development within a Defence Detailed Emergency Planning Zone. This requirement would have a limited geographical extent (4 LPAs).

 

This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 4 May 2026.

The consultation can be found here.

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