The Planning Inspectorate always aims to issue decisions and
recommendations promptly. However, in the run-up to the 7 May
2026 elections (16 April 2026 to 7 May 2026), we want to ensure
that appeal decisions or recommendations relating to proposals
that have raised particular sensitivities or interest in an area
cannot be seen to have influenced the election or have been used
to electoral advantage by any interested body.
Appeals casework
In appeals, we will also hold back cases that may give rise to
electoral sensitivities because of their nature or the issues
involved. This might include:
- cases where there has been an extensive local campaign, or
where the decision raises very controversial local issues such as
inappropriate or unauthorised development in the Green Belt
- major greenfield housing
- renewables
- cases where there is an emerging neighbourhood plan
Whether a decision should be held back until the election results
have been announced is a judgement taken by the inspector in
conjunction with senior managers at the Planning Inspectorate,
based on the circumstances of the case. We will, of course,
ensure that any such delayed decisions are issued promptly after
the election.
National infrastructure casework
As national infrastructure examinations are required to comply
with a statutory time limit, once the preliminary meeting has
been notified and the examination timetable has been set, the
examination is expected to run to the published timetable.
Local plans
All scheduled local plan examinations and hearing sessions will
continue during the pre-election period, and new examinations
will also begin. However, to avoid making announcements that
could be politically sensitive, the Planning Inspectorate will
not be issuing any letters regarding the soundness or legal
compliance of local plans, or final reports (including for fact
check[1]), from 16 April
until after the election day, for affected local planning
authorities.
As some councils operate a longer pre-election period, beginning
no later than 25 days before election day, from that date we will
liaise with local planning authorities in those areas holding
elections (or cross-border areas) about the publication of any
material, including final reports, that could be seen as
sensitive.
[1] The fact
check report is the version of the report the Planning
Inspectorate sends to the local planning authority to check for
factual errors or inconsistencies. The final report is issued
after this process has been completed.
