Overview

Consulting the Secretary of State on Planning Decisions

Topic of this consultation

This consultation seeks views on three proposed measures which will require Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to consult the Secretary of State on certain planning applications.  

Scope of this consultation

This consultation seeks views on two new proposals for a requirement for LPAs to consult the Secretary of State where they are minded to refuse an application, and a single new proposal for LPAs to consult the Secretary of State where they are minded to allow an application. 

The Government has already announced its intention that planning applications for 150 or more dwellings should be referred to the Secretary of State where an LPA is minded to refuse[1].  This measure is being brought forward separately. 

It is the Secretary of State’s intention that measures in this consultation will be brought forward via new directions which will sit alongside the current consultation direction.  There are therefore no plans to amend the Town and Country Planning (Consultation) (England) Direction 2024, which will continue to have effect.

Geographical scope

These proposals relate to England only. 

Impact assessment

We will use feedback from the consultation to inform our assessment of the impact of the measures. 

Body responsible for the consultation

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Duration

This consultation will last for 6 weeks from 23 March 2026 to 4 May 2026. 

Enquiries

For any enquiries about the consultation, email pcu@communities.gov.uk

What happens next

The period of consultation will last 6 weeks and responses should be submitted to arrive by 4 May 2026.

When commenting, please say whether you represent an organisation or group, and in what capacity you are responding.

A summary of responses will be published within three months of the end of the consultation period together with an account of how the concerns raised have influenced policy.

All responses will be made public on request, unless confidentiality is requested. Should consultees require the information they provide to be treated as confidential, we will take full account of the reasons behind this request and accommodate them wherever possible in line with the statutory Code of Practice with which public authorities must comply. The automatic confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system will not be respected unless you specifically include a request to the contrary in the main text of your response. In any event, the substance of responses may be included in statistical summaries of comments received.