Issue a requirement to assist notice
Draft guidance on how local planning authorities can get the information they need from prescribed public bodies to assist with local plan-making.
Applies to England
We will review this guidance and make any necessary revisions and updates as the new system is implemented and related policy is confirmed.
For plans under the legacy plan-making system
If you are submitting your plan under the legacy system, use the create or update a local plan legacy system guidance.
The legacy system covers plans to be adopted under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, excluding the amendments made by the LURA, and The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.
Local planning authorities (LPAs) can issue a requirement to assist notice to help get the information they need from prescribed public bodies.
Who can receive a notice
Prescribed public bodies have an important role in helping you prepare your local plan. If you do not receive the information you need from the prescribed public body, you can issue a requirement to assist notice.
When to issue a notice
You should only issue a requirement to assist notice as a last resort.
Before issuing a notice, you should:
- make a routine request for the information
- allow a reasonable amount of time for a response
- keep records of all contact attempts
You should only issue a notice if the prescribed public body does not provide the information you need and it is essential for plan-making.
How to issue a notice
You should issue the notice by email or letter to the relevant prescribed public body.
The notice should clearly set out:
- the specific information you need
- what legal provision, national policy or guidance your request relates to
- why the information is reasonably required for plan-making
- when you previously requested the information
- what impact the missing information has on plan-making
- when you want a response by (normally within 28 days of issue)
- contact details for 2 named officers at your authority
You should not request information that:
- goes beyond what you normally need for plan-making
- falls outside the prescribed public body’s functions or responsibilities
Reply to a notice
Prescribed public bodies must do everything that you reasonably require to help prepare your plan. They should:
- confirm receipt of a notice within 10 days of receiving it
- provide the requested information within the timeframe set out in the notice
You can issue a further notice if you are not satisfied with the information you receive.
If you need more time
If the prescribed public body cannot provide the information requested within the timeframe set out in the notice, they should:
- tell you as soon as possible
- agree a new deadline
If the prescribed public body does not have the information
If the prescribed public body does not have the information or if they believe that the request is unreasonable, they should tell you in a written response.