Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what guidance he has issued to local councillors on considering planning applications over the internet.

The Government has made clear that local planning authorities should continue to prioritise decision-making during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure that the planning system continues to function, especially when this will support the local economy. Most planning applications are determined by planning officers through a local planning authority’s scheme of delegation. Where decisions need to be made by committee, we have introduced legislation that allow council planning committee meetings to be held virtually for a temporary period to allow the determination of applications to continue. The Planning Advisory Service has produced guidance for local planning authorities on how to adapt their planning services in response to Covid-19, including information on virtual planning committees.