Consultation Direction
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 18 March 2026 to 29 April 2026.
Enquiries
For any enquiries about the consultation, email pcu@communities.gov.uk
How to respond
You can respond by completing the online survey.
We strongly encourage responses via the online survey, particularly from organisations with access to online facilities, such as local authorities, representative bodies, and businesses.
Consultations on planning matters receive a high level of interest across many sectors. Using the online survey greatly assists our analysis of the responses, enabling more efficient and effective consideration of the issues raised for each question.
Alternatively, you can email your response to the questions in this consultation to pcu@communities.gov.uk.
If you are responding in writing, please make it clear which questions you are responding to.
Written responses should be sent to:
Consultation Direction
Planning Casework Unit
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Third Floor,
Fry Building,
2 Marsham Street,
London,
SW1P 4DF
When you reply, please confirm whether you are replying as an individual or submitting an official response on behalf of an organisation and include:
- your name
- your position (if applicable)
- the name of organisation (if applicable)
- an address (including postcode)
- an email address
- a contact telephone number
Disclaimer: MHCLG reserves the right to share non-personal data such as responses and thematic analysis derived from the consultation with other government departments and arms’ length bodies.
This does not affect your statutory rights under the government’s Data Sharing Code of Practice.
[1] Planning Reform: Next Phase - Hansard - UK Parliament