Requesting planning applications and expressing views

The Town and Country Planning Act 1990, particularly sections 62C and 293G, along with Section 25 of The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015, provide mechanisms for parish and town councils to request copies of planning applications and express views on proposed developments. Here's how it commonly works:

Requesting copies of planning applications

Section 62C of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 allows parish and town councils to request copies of planning applications and related documents from the local planning authority. Parish and town councils typically use this provision to stay informed about proposed developments within their area and to assess their potential impact on the community.

Expressing views on planning applications

Section 293G of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 enables parish and town councils to express their views on planning applications to the local planning authority. Parish and town councils can submit comments, objections, or recommendations regarding proposed developments, considering local planning policies, community interests, and other relevant factors.
Section 25 of The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 outlines the procedures for consulting with parish and town councils and other stakeholders on planning applications. It requires local planning authorities to notify parish and town councils of relevant planning applications and allow them to submit comments within a specified timeframe.

Consultation process

Upon receipt of a planning application, the local planning authority typically notifies the relevant parish and town council and invites them to review the application and provide comments.
Parish and town councils may convene meetings or committees to discuss planning applications and formulate their response. They may also seek input from local residents, businesses, and other stakeholders.
Parish and town councils submit their comments, objections, or recommendations to the local planning authority within the specified consultation period. These submissions are considered as part of the planning decision-making process.

Impact on decision-making

While the views of parish and town councils are considered by the local planning authority, they are among many factors in the decision-making process.
The local planning authority assesses planning applications based on relevant planning policies, legal requirements, and the overall public interest, in addition to input from parish and town councils and other stakeholders.

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