Reforms to the Statutory Consultee System
- Nov 18, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 13
The Government’s reforms to the statutory consultee system seek to streamline the role of planning statutory consultees and reduce delays by giving Local Planning Authorities greater decision-making flexibility.
The Government has launched its consultation on reforms to the statutory consultee system with two headline changes that could significantly reshape the role of planning statutory consultees and how planning applications are determined.
Removing Statutory Status from Some Consultees
First, ministers are proposing to remove statutory consultee status from several bodies whose current roles are considered too narrow, duplicative or better handled through guidance rather than formal consultation. This could include organisations such as Sport England, The Gardens Trust and Theatres Trust.
The aim is to streamline the system, cut down routine referrals to statutory consultees in planning and focus national expertise where it adds the greatest value.
A Stronger Role for Local Planning Authorities
Second, and arguably the most consequential change, the consultation places renewed emphasis on Local Planning Authorities as the primary decision-makers. Under the proposals, LPAs would be empowered to progress applications even where advice from planning application statutory consultees is delayed or absent, provided they act in line with policy and their own professional judgement.
This represents a notable shift towards trusting local expertise and reducing the bottlenecks that routinely slow the planning system.
What the Reforms to the Statutory Consultee System Could Mean in Practice
Taken together, these changes signal a move toward a more proportionate, efficient approach to consultation. Statutory consultees would be expected to focus on strategic issues while LPAs are given greater autonomy to make timely planning decisions.
Consultation Timeline
The consultation runs until 13 January 2026 and will be an important one for planners, developers and statutory bodies alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the reforms to the statutory consultee system?
The reforms to the statutory consultee system propose changes to how statutory consultees are involved in the planning application process, with the aim of reducing delays and making consultation more proportionate.
Who are planning statutory consultees?
Planning statutory consultees are organisations that local planning authorities must consult on certain planning applications because they have statutory responsibilities or specialist planning expertise.
Why is the statutory consultee system being reformed?
The statutory consultee system is being reformed because the Government considers the current approach to be slow and complex, with some consultees duplicating guidance or adding limited value to decision-making.
How will reforms to the statutory consultee system affect planning applications?
Reforms to the statutory consultee system would allow local planning authorities to determine planning applications even where responses from planning application statutory consultees are delayed, provided decisions are made in line with policy and professional judgement.
When will reforms to the statutory consultee system take effect?
Reforms to the statutory consultee system are currently subject to consultation until 13 January 2026, after which the Government will decide whether and how the proposals will be implemented.
Consultation link: https://lnkd.in/eiREZv7G
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