England · National documents
Consultation and pre-decision matters
Explains public consultation, statutory consultees and how representations are considered before a planning application is decided.
AI-generated summaries of the linked official sources; not editorially reviewed. Sources and limits
Where this document applies
England: relevance depends on the proposal, site and planning process.
Consultation and pre-decision matters (official source, opens in a new tab) · Reference ID 15-001-20190722
Different consultation duties apply to different parties
The guidance separates public consultation, statutory consultees, consultation required by a direction and other consultees. The relevant application determines the publicity and response arrangements; the page expressly marks its temporary coronavirus inspection provisions as expired.
Read the official source (official source, opens in a new tab) · Reference ID 15-001-20190722
Limits and checks
- This national source does not establish the local policies, designations or site facts that apply to an individual proposal.
- Some guidance predates the August 2026 Framework and may refer to earlier policy numbering. Read it with the current Framework and any applicable transition provisions.
Read alongside this document
Put the national source in your local context
Start with the exact refusal reason. Note the policy and paragraph it cites, then check your authority’s policy summary and the facts discussed in relevant appeal decisions. Each appeal turns on its own facts and does not predict another outcome.