The Planning Inspectorate has adopted a cautious approach to issuing decisions and recommendations during the pre-election period, which spans from April 10, 2025, to May 1, 2025. This move is aimed at preventing appeal decisions or recommendations from influencing the election or being used to gain an electoral advantage.
In appeals casework, the Planning Inspectorate will hold back cases that may raise electoral sensitivities due to their nature or the issues involved. This includes cases where there has been an extensive local campaign, or where the decision raises controversial local issues, such as:
– *Inappropriate development in the Green Belt*: Cases involving unauthorized development in sensitive areas will be delayed until after the election.
– *Major green field housing*: Decisions on large-scale housing projects will be withheld to avoid influencing the election.
– *Renewables*: Cases related to renewable energy projects will be delayed to prevent electoral sensitivities.
– *Emerging Neighbourhood Plans*: Decisions on local plans will be held back until after the election to avoid controversy.
The decision to delay a case will be made jointly by the Inspector and senior managers at the Planning Inspectorate, based on the specific circumstances of the case. Any delayed decisions will be issued promptly after the election.
In terms of *National Infrastructure Casework*, examinations will proceed according to the published timetable, as they are required to comply with statutory time limits. However, the Planning Inspectorate will liaise with Local Planning Authorities to avoid publishing sensitive material during the pre-election period.
For *Local Plans*, all scheduled examinations and hearing sessions will continue during the pre-election period, and new examinations will begin. However, the Planning Inspectorate will not issue letters regarding the soundness or legal compliance of local plans, or final reports, from April 10 until after the election day.
