Called-in planning application
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government can ‘call in’ planning applications for his / her own consideration, taking over the process of determining the application from the local planning authority. However, as Parliament has given responsibility for day-to-day planning matters to local planning authorities, government policy is ‘…to be very selective about calling in planning applications’. (ref Written statement by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Nick Boles) October 2012.
The ‘Plain English guide to the Planning System’ published by the Department for Communities and Local Government In January 2015 states that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government:
'... has the power to take over particular planning applications rather than letting the local planning authority decide, which is known as ‘call-in’. An application can be called-in whether or not there has been a request to do so. The Secretary of State uses these powers very sparingly, usually where planning issues of more than local importance are involved. If the Secretary of State decides to call-in a planning application, a planning inspector is appointed to carry out an inquiry into the proposal. The inspector will then report with their recommendation to the Secretary of State who will make a decision on the proposal, in much the same way as a recovered planning appeal.'
Each case is considered on its own merits, but generally, the sorts of planning application that the Secretary of State calls in are those that:
- Are considered nationally significant.
- Are in conflict with government policy.
- Have a significant long-term impact on economic growth.
- Have significant effects beyond their immediate locality.
- Are controversial.
- Raise significant architectural and urban design issues.
- Involve national security or foreign governments.
Where an application is called in, a planning inspector is appointed to hold an inquiry into the application and the Secretary of State must take the findings of the inquiry into account when they make their decision.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Quality Planning for Micro and Small to Medium Sized Enterprises
A CIOB Academy Technical Information sheet.
A briefing on fall protection systems for designers
A legal requirement and an ethical must.
CIOB Ireland launches manifesto for 2024 General Election
A vision for a sustainable, high-quality built environment that benefits all members of society.
Local leaders gain new powers to support local high streets
High Street Rental Auctions to be introduced from December.
Infrastructure sector posts second gain for October
With a boost for housebuilder and commercial developer contract awards.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
COP29; impacts of construction and updates
Amid criticism, open letters and calls for reform.
The properties of conservation rooflights
Things to consider when choosing the right product.
Adapting to meet changing needs.
London Build: A festival of construction
Co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
Tasked with locating groups of 10,000 homes with opportunity.
Delivering radical reform in the UK energy market
What are the benefits, barriers and underlying principles.
Information Management Initiative IMI
Building sector-transforming capabilities in emerging technologies.
Recent study of UK households reveals chilling home truths
Poor insulation, EPC knowledge and lack of understanding as to what retrofit might offer.
Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment
Overview, regulations, detail calculations and much more.
Why the construction sector must embrace workplace mental health support
Let’s talk; more importantly now, than ever.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems
A key growth area, including impacts for construction.