Reforms to the statutory consultee system
- David Maddox
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
The Government has launched its consultation on reforms to the statutory consultee system and there are two headline changes that could significantly shift the planning landscape.
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, and focus national expertise where it adds the greatest value.
Second, and arguably the most consequential, the consultation places a renewed emphasis on Local Planning Authorities as the primary decision-makers. Under the proposals, LPAs would be empowered to progress applications even where consultee advice is delayed or absent, provided they act in line with policy and their own professional judgement. This is a notable shift towards trusting local expertise and reducing the bottlenecks that routinely slow the system.
Together, these changes signal a move toward a more proportionate, efficient planning process, one that expects consultees to focus on strategic issues while giving LPAs greater autonomy to make timely decisions.
The consultation runs until 13 January 2026 and will be an important one for planners, developers and statutory bodies alike.
Consultation link: https://lnkd.in/eiREZv7G
