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Nine councils stripped of planning powers over major developments

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook has placed nine local authorities in planning 'special measures', allowing developers to bypass them and apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate for large schemes.

Eleanor Whitfield

Writer ·

7 min read
A planning application notice attached to a fence beside a building site with diggers in the background
A planning application notice attached to a fence beside a building site with diggers in the background · Illustrative section image

  • Nine councils designated under section 62A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990
  • Applies to major schemes of 10 or more homes on sites over 0.5 hectares
  • Also covers buildings over 1,000 square metres and other developments over one hectare
  • Developers can apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate
  • Designations remain until the government is satisfied performance has improved

Referenced coverage: Our reporting and analysis draws on coverage first reported by Local Government Lawyer. The NE Times publishes original reporting and independent analysis written by our editorial team. We credit and link the outlets whose primary reporting informed this article.

The NE Times is an independent news and analysis publisher. Our articles combine factual reporting with clearly-written, impartial analysis. Content is for general information and does not constitute professional advice. Disclaimer.

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