Changes to statutory consultees set out in further proposals to speed up planning processes

Further reforms to the planning system have been announced by government as part of proposals to speed up decisions and accelerate the building of new homes.

Plans will limit the scope of statutory consultees, and remove a limited number of organisations from being required to comment on planning applications.

“Statutory consultees” are official stakeholders legally required to provide advice on planning decisions to ensure developments can consider essential environmental, transport, heritage and safety elements.

Under the changes suggested by government, Sport England, Theatres Trust and The Gardens Trust will be removed from the list of over 25 statutory consultees. The scope of other organisations that retain this status will also be narrowed to focus on heritage, safety and environmental protections.

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said:

“We need to reform the system to ensure it is sensible and balanced, and does not create unintended delays – putting a hold on people’s lives and harming our efforts to build the homes people desperately need.

“New developments must still meet our high expectations to create the homes, facilities and infrastructure that communities need.”

Changes follow feedback from local planning authorities and developers that the statutory consultee system is not working as intended. Problems expressed include the automatic submission of objections that are later withdrawn, the submission of advice that goes beyond what is necessary for acceptable development, and failures to engage proactively or provide advice in a timely fashion.

The government will consult this Spring on the impacts of its proposals. Its Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which sets out other measures to accelerate planning decision will also be introduced to Parliament in the coming days.