NALC urges a local approach to planning thresholds and referrals

We have responded to the government's consultation on three proposed measures that would require Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to consult the Secretary of State on certain planning applications.

The consultation includes two proposals requiring LPAs to consult the Secretary of State where they are minded to refuse an application, and a further proposal for LPAs to consult the Secretary of State where they are minded to approve an application.

While recognising the importance of national economic growth, we have argued that the location of large-scale developments should be determined at a local level. Proposals requiring LPAs to consult the Secretary of State where they are minded to refuse applications for large-scale strategic commercial development could diminish the importance of local considerations and limit communities' ability to shape developments that directly affect them. Parish and town councils, with their detailed local knowledge, play a vital role in ensuring that commercial developments are sited in appropriate locations.

We raised concerns that the proposed national threshold of 15,000 square metres for defining large-scale commercial development may fail to reflect local circumstances. We therefore advocate for a more flexible approach that allows LPAs to apply thresholds based on local context.

We have expressed partial support for the proposed consultation requirement for applications relating to land owned or leased by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) or its subsidiaries, where the LPA is minded to refuse. However, we emphasised that this should not reduce the opportunity for parish and town councils to comment on local impacts.

We support a precautionary approach to residential development within Defence Detailed Emergency Planning Zones (DEPZs) where objections are raised by the Office for Nuclear Regulation or emergency planning teams, stressing that public safety must remain paramount. At the same time, we have argued that local knowledge and community concerns, as represented by parish and town councils, must continue to inform decision-making.

We also questioned whether a referral threshold of a single dwelling is proportionate and instead call for a more flexible and slightly higher threshold to avoid unnecessary delays.

We will continue to advocate for a planning system that values local knowledge, protects communities and ensures parish and town councils remain central to decision-making.