Consulting the Secretary of State on planning decisions

From:: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Published: 23 March 2026

Applies to England

Summary

We are seeking views on proposals that require Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to consult the Secretary of State on some planning decisions.

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

Consultation description

This consultation seeks views on 2 proposals for a requirement for Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to consult the Secretary of State where they are ‘minded to refuse’ an application for planning permission.

It also seeks view on a proposal for LPAs to consult the Secretary of State where they are ‘minded to allow’ an application.

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
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)

Documents