The Planning Inspectorate has published a short guide explaining how local plan examinations work under the legacy system. It outlines the role of local planning authorities, the independent examination process, and the soundness tests used to assess whether a plan can be adopted.
The Planning Inspectorate has published guidance on handling called-in planning applications, setting out expectations for timetables, correspondence, and the conduct of parties involved. It emphasises that the guidance is non-statutory, but that unreasonable behaviour can lead to costs awards and that material changes in circumstances must be reported promptly.
The Planning Inspectorate has published a procedural guide for planning appeals relating to applications submitted on or after 1 April 2026. The guidance explains the updated written representations process, the relationship to the Town and Country Planning (Appeals) (Written Representations Procedure) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, and key expectations for appellants and local planning authorities.
The Planning Inspectorate has updated its procedural guide for planning appeals relating to applications submitted on or before 31 March 2026. The revisions cover online submission limits for discontinuance notice appeals, updated appeal process guidance, changes linked to enforcement and late representations, and references to newer procedural materials and service channels.
The Planning Inspectorate has published non-statutory advice explaining how Habitats Regulations Assessments apply to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. It sets out the assessment stages, including screening, appropriate assessment and derogations, and reiterates that applicants must provide the information needed for decision-making under the relevant regulations.
The Planning Inspectorate has published non-statutory advice explaining how the Water Environment Regulations 2017 and the Water Framework Directive should be considered in Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project applications. The guidance sets out the roles of the Secretary of State, Examining Authority and applicants in assessing potential effects on water bodies and ensuring sufficient information is available for decision-making.
The Planning Inspectorate has published non-statutory advice on how prescribed consultation bodies and other relevant parties should be notified and consulted on the scope of Environmental Statements for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. The guidance sits alongside the Planning Act 2008 and the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017, and explains the Inspectorate’s approach to consultation and process.
The Planning Inspectorate has published non-statutory advice explaining the process for obtaining rights of entry to land under section 53 of the Planning Act 2008 in connection with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. It outlines when applicants may need access during pre-application and other stages, the need to act reasonably, the fee requirement, and the Planning Inspectorate’s role in deciding authorisation requests on behalf of the Secretary of State.
The Planning Inspectorate has published technical advice on scoping for solar development within the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project process. The guidance is non-statutory but is intended to support a more proportionate, evidence-based Environmental Impact Assessment approach and smoother Development Consent Order examinations.
The Planning Inspectorate has issued non-statutory advice for local authorities on their role in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project process. It emphasises early governance arrangements, resource planning and timely engagement across pre-application, acceptance, pre-examination and examination stages, including consultation duties and environmental statement scoping.
The Planning Inspectorate has published non-statutory advice on using a Commitments Register for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). The guidance explains how applicants should record and update mitigation, design and monitoring commitments from scoping through to post-decision stages, including submission alongside the Environmental Statement.
