Town and Country Planning Act 1990

Part IIIControl over development

Meaning of development

55Meaning of “development” and “new development”

(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, in this Act, except where the context otherwise requires, “development,” means the carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operations in, on, over or under land, or the making of any material change in the use of any buildings or other land.

(2)The following operations or uses of land shall not be taken for the purposes of this Act to involve development of the land—

(a)the carrying out for the maintenance, improvement or other alteration of any building of works which—

(i)affect only the interior of the building, or

(ii)do not materially affect the external appearance of the building,

and are not works for making good war damage or works begun after 5th December 1968 for the alteration of a building by providing additional space in it underground;

(b)the carrying out on land within the boundaries of a road by a local highway authority of any works required for the maintenance or improvement of the road;

(c)the carrying out by a local authority or statutory undertakers of any works for the purpose of inspecting, repairing or renewing any sewers, mains, pipes, cables or other apparatus, including the breaking open of any street or other land for that purpose;

(d)the use of any buildings or other land within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse for any purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse as such;

(e)the use of any land for the purposes of agriculture or forestry (including afforestation) and the use for any of those purposes of any building occupied together with land so used;

(f)in the case of buildings or other land which are used for a purpose of any class specified in an order made by the Secretary of State under this section, the use of the buildings or other land or, subject to the provisions of the order, of any part of the buildings or the other land, for any other purpose of the same class.

(3)For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that for the purposes of this section—

(a)the use as two or more separate dwellinghouses of any building previously used as a single dwellinghouse involves a material change in the use of the building and of each part of it which is so used;

(b)the deposit of refuse or waste materials on land involves a material change in its use, notwithstanding that the land is comprised in a site already used for that purpose, if—

(i)the superficial area of the deposit is extended, or

(ii)the height of the deposit is extended and exceeds the level of the land adjoining the site.

(4)For the purposes of this Act mining operations include—

(a)the removal of material of any description—

(i)from a mineral-working deposit;

(ii)from a deposit of pulverised fuel ash or other furnace ash or clinker; or

(iii)from a deposit of iron, steel or other metallic slags; and

(b)the extraction of minerals from a disused railway embankment.

(5)Without prejudice to any regulations made under the provisions of this Act relating to the control of advertisements, the use for the display of advertisements of any external part of a building which is not normally used for that purpose shall be treated for the purposes of this section as involving a material change in the use of that part of the building.

(6)In this Act “new development” means any development other than development of a class specified in Part I or Part II of Schedule 3; and Part III of that Schedule has effect for the purposes of Parts I and II.

56Time when development begun

(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, for the purposes of this Act development of land shall be taken to be initiated—

(a)if the development consists of the carrying out of operations, at the time when those operations are begun;

(b)if the development consists of a change in use, at the time when the new use is instituted;

(c)if the development consists both of the carrying out of operations and of a change in use, at the earlier of the times mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b).

(2)For the purposes of the provisions of this Part mentioned in subsection (3) development shall be taken to be begun on the earliest date on which any material operation comprised in the development begins to be carried out.

(3)The provisions referred to in subsection (2) are sections 85(2), 86(6), 87(4), 91, 92 and 94.

(4)In subsection (2) “material operation” means—

(a)any work of construction in the course of the erection of a building;

(b)the digging of a trench which is to contain the foundations, or part of the foundations, of a building;

(c)the laying of any underground main or pipe to the foundations, or part of the foundations, of a building or to any such trench as is mentioned in paragraph (b);

(d)any operation in the course of laying out or constructing a road or part of a road;

(e)any change in the use of any land which constitutes material development.

(5)In subsection (4)(e) “material development” means any development other than—

(a)development for which planning permission is granted by a general development order for the time being in force and which is carried out so as to comply with any condition or limitation subject to which planning permission is so granted;

(b)development falling within any of paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 5 to 8 of Schedule 3 (as read with Part III of that Schedule); and

(c)development of any class prescribed for the purposes of this subsection.

(6)In subsection (5) “general development order” means a development order (within the meaning of section 59) made as a general order applicable (subject to such exceptions as may be specified in it) to all land in England and Wales.

Requirement for planning permission

57Planning permission required for development

(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, planning permission is required for the carrying out of any development of land.

(2)Where planning permission to develop land has been granted for a limited period, planning permission is not required for the resumption, at the end of that period, of its use for the purpose for which it was normally used before the permission was granted.

(3)Where by a development order planning permission to develop land has been granted subject to limitations, planning permission is not required for the use of that land which (apart from its use in accordance with that permission) is its normal use.

(4)Where an enforcement notice has been issued in respect of any development of land, planning permission is not required for its use for the purpose for which (in accordance with the provisions of this Part of this Act) it could lawfully have been used if that development had not been carried out.

(5)In determining for the purposes of subsections (2) and (3) what is or was the normal use of land, no account shall be taken of any use begun in contravention of this Part or of previous planning control.

(6)For the purposes of this section a use of land shall be taken to have been begun in contravention of previous planning control if it was begun in contravention of Part III of the 1947 Act, Part III of the 1962 Act or Part III of the 1971 Act.

(7)Subsection (1) has effect subject to Schedule 4 (which makes special provision about use of land on 1st July 1948).

58Granting of planning permission: general

(1)Planning permission may be granted—

(a)by a development order;

(b)by the local planning authority (or, in the cases provided in this Part, by the Secretary of State) on application to the authority in accordance with a development order;

(c)on the adoption or approval of a simplified planning zone scheme or alterations to such a scheme in accordance with section 82 or, as the case may be, section 86; or

(d)on the designation of an enterprise zone or the approval of a modified scheme under Schedule 32 to the [1980 c. 65.] Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 in accordance with section 88 of this Act.

(2)Planning permission may also be deemed to be granted under section 90 (development with government authorisation).

(3)This section is without prejudice to any other provisions of this Act providing for the granting of permission.

Development orders

59Development orders: general

(1)The Secretary of State shall by order (in this Act referred to as a “development order”) provide for the granting of planning permission.

(2)A development order may either—

(a)itself grant planning permission for development specified in the order or for development of any class specified; or

(b)in respect of development for which planning permission is not granted by the order itself, provide for the granting of planning permission by the local planning authority (or, in the cases provided in the following provisions, by the Secretary of State) on application to the authority in accordance with the provisions of the order.

(3)A development order may be made either—

(a)as a general order applicable, except so far as the order otherwise provides, to all land, or

(b)as a special order applicable only to such land or descriptions of land as may be specified in the order.

60Permission granted by development order

(1)Planning permission granted by a development order may be granted either unconditionally or subject to such conditions or limitations as may be specified in the order.

(2)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), where planning permission is granted by a development order for the erection, extension or alteration of any buildings, the order may require the approval of the local planning authority to be obtained with respect to the design or external appearance of the buildings.

(3)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), where planning permission is granted by a development order for development of a specified class, the order may enable the Secretary of State or the local planning authority to direct that the permission shall not apply either—

(a)in relation to development in a particular area, or

(b)in relation to any particular development.

(4)Any provision of a development order by which permission is granted for the use of land for any purpose on a limited number of days in a period specified in that provision shall (without prejudice to the generality of references in this Act to limitations) be taken to be a provision granting permission for the use of land for any purpose subject to the limitation that the land shall not be used for any one purpose in pursuance of that provision on more than that number of days in that period.

61Development orders: supplementary provisions

(1)A general development order may make different provision with respect to different descriptions of land.

(2)For the purpose of enabling development to be carried out in accordance with planning permission, or otherwise for the purpose of promoting proper development in accordance with the development plan, a development order may direct that any pre 1947 Act enactment, or any regulations, orders or byelaws made at any time under any such enactment—

(a)shall not apply to any development specified in the order, or

(b)shall apply to it subject to such modifications as may be so specified.

(3)In subsection (2) “pre 1947 Act enactment” means—

(a)any enactment passed before 6th August 1947 (the date of the passing of the 1947 Act), and

(b)any enactment contained in the [1980 c. 66.] Highways Act 1980 which—

(i)is an enactment derived from the [1959 c. 25.] Highways Act 1959, and

(ii)re-enacts (with or without modifications) any such enactment as is mentioned in paragraph (a).

Applications for planning permission

62Form and content of applications for planning permission

Any application to a local planning authority for planning permission—

(a)shall be made in such manner as may be prescribed by regulations under this Act; and

(b)shall include such particulars and be verified by such evidence as may be required by the regulations or by directions given by the local planning authority under them.

63Applications in connection with existing buildings and uses

(1)An application for planning permission may relate to buildings or works constructed or carried out, or a use of land instituted, before the date of the application.

(2)Such an application may be—

(a)in respect of buildings or works constructed or carried out, or a use instituted, without planning permission or in accordance with planning permission granted for a limited period; or

(b)for permission to retain buildings or works, or continue the use of land, without complying with some condition subject to which a previous planning permission was granted.

(3)Any power to grant planning permission to develop land under this Act shall include power to grant planning permission for the retention on land of buildings or works constructed or carried out, or for the continuance of a use of land instituted, as mentioned in subsection (2); and references in the planning Acts to planning permission to develop land or to carry out any development of land, and to applications for such permission, shall be construed accordingly.

(4)Any planning permission granted in accordance with subsection (3) may be granted—

(a)so as to take effect from the date on which the buildings or works were constructed or carried out or the use was instituted, or

(b)in the case of buildings or works constructed or carried out or a use instituted in accordance with planning permission granted for a limited period, so as to take effect from the end of that period.

(5)Subsection (3) shall not affect the construction of section 65, 71(1) or 197 or Part V.

64Applications to determine whether planning permission required

(1)If any person who proposes to carry out any operations on land, or to make any change in the use of land—

(a)wishes to have it determined whether the carrying out of those operations, or the making of that change, would constitute or involve development of the land, and

(b)if so, whether an application for planning permission in respect of it is required under this Part (having regard to the provisions of any development order, enterprise zone scheme or simplified planning zone scheme),

he may apply to the local planning authority to determine that question.

(2)An application under subsection (1) may be made either as part of an application for planning permission or without any such application.

(3)The provisions of sections 59, 69(1), (2) and (5), 70, 74, 77, 78 and 79 shall, subject to any necessary modifications, apply in relation to any application under this section, and to the determination of it, as they apply in relation to applications for planning permission and to the determination of such applications.

Publicity for applications

65Publication of notices of applications for planning permission for designated development

(1)A development order may designate any class of development as development to which this section is to apply; and a class of development which is for the time being so designated is in this section referred to as “development of a designated class”.

(2)An application for planning permission for development of a designated class shall not be entertained by the local planning authority unless it is accompanied—

(a)by a copy of a notice of the application, in such form as may be prescribed by a development order, and by such evidence as may be so prescribed that the notice has been published in a local newspaper circulating in the locality in which the land to which the application relates is situated; and

(b)by a certificate signed by or on behalf of the applicant stating—

(i)that he has complied with subsection (3) and when he did so, or

(ii)that he has been unable to comply with it because he has not such rights of access or other rights in respect of the land as would enable him to do so, and that he has taken such reasonable steps as are open to him (specifying them) to acquire those rights but has been unable to acquire them.

(3)In order to comply with this subsection a person must—

(a)post on the land a notice, in such form as may be prescribed by a development order, stating that the application for planning permission is to be made; and

(b)leave the notice in position for not less than seven days in a period of not more than one month immediately preceding the making of the application to the local planning authority.

(4)The notice mentioned in subsection (3)—

(a)must be posted by affixing it firmly to some object on the land, and

(b)must be sited and displayed in such a way as to be easily visible and legible by members of the public without their going on the land.

(5)An applicant shall not be treated as unable to comply with subsection (3) if the notice is, without any fault or intention of his, removed, obscured or defaced before the seven days referred to in subsection (3)(b) have elapsed, if he has taken reasonable steps for its protection and, if need be, replacement.

(6)If an applicant has cause to rely on subsection (5) his certificate under subsection (2)(b) must state the relevant circumstances.

(7)The notice mentioned in subsection (2)(a) or required by subsection (3) shall (in addition to any other matters required to be contained in it) name a place within the locality where a copy of the application for planning permission, and of all plans and other documents submitted with it, will be open to inspection by the public at all reasonable hours during such period as may be specified in the notice.

(8)That period shall not be less than 21 days beginning with the date on which the notice is published or, as the case may be, first posted.

(9)An application for planning permission for development of a designated class shall not be determined by the local planning authority before the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the date of the application.

66Notification of applications to owners and agricultural tenants

(1)Without prejudice to section 65, a local planning authority shall not entertain any application for planning permission unless it is accompanied by one of the following certificates signed by or on behalf of the applicant—

(a)a certificate stating that, at the beginning of the period of 21 days ending with the date of the application, no person (other than the applicant) was the owner of any of the land to which the application relates;

(b)a certificate stating that the applicant has given the requisite notice of the application to all the persons (other than himself) who at the beginning of that period were owners of any of the land to which the application relates, and setting out—

(i)the names of those persons,

(ii)the addresses at which notice of the application was given to them respectively, and

(iii)the date of service of each such notice;

(c)a certificate stating—

(i)that the applicant is unable to issue a certificate in accordance with paragraph (a) or (b),

(ii)that he has given the requisite notice of the application to such one or more of the persons mentioned in paragraph (b) as are specified in the certificate (setting out their names, the addresses at which notice of the application was given to them respectively, and the date of the service of each such notice), and

(iii)that he has taken such steps as are reasonably open to him (specifying them) to ascertain the names and addresses of the remainder of those persons but has been unable to do so;

(d)a certificate stating—

(i)that the applicant is unable to issue a certificate in accordance with paragraph (a), and

(ii)that he has taken such steps as are reasonably open to him (specifying them) to ascertain the names and addresses of the persons mentioned in paragraph (b) but has been unable to do so.

(2)Any such certificate as is mentioned in paragraph (c) or (d) of subsection (1) must also contain a statement that the requisite notice of the application, as set out in the certificate, has on a date specified in the certificate been published in a local newspaper circulating in the locality in which the land in question is situated.

(3)The date specified in a certificate under subsection (2) must not be earlier than the beginning of the period mentioned in subsection (1)(a).

(4)In addition to any other matters required to be contained in a certificate issued for the purposes of this section, every such certificate must contain a statement —

(a)that none of the land to which the application relates constitutes or forms part of an agricultural holding; or

(b)that the applicant has given the requisite notice of the application to every person (other than himself) who, at the beginning of the period mentioned in subsection (1)(a), was a tenant of any agricultural holding any part of which was comprised in the land to which the application relates.

(5)Such a statement as is mentioned in subsection (4)(b) must set out—

(a)the name of each person to whom the applicant has given notice of the application,

(b)the address at which notice was given to him, and

(c)the date of service of that notice.

(6)Where an application for planning permission is accompanied by such a certificate as is mentioned in subsection (1)(b),(c) or (d), or by a certificate containing a statement in accordance with subsections (4)(b) and (5), the local planning authority shall not determine the application before the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the date appearing from the certificate to be the latest of the dates of service of notices as mentioned in the certificate, or, if later, the date of publication of a notice as mentioned in the certificate.

(7)In this section—

• “owner”, in relation to any land, means a person who for the time being is—

  (a)

  the estate owner in respect of the fee simple in the land, or

  (b)

  entitled to a tenancy of the land granted or extended for a term of years certain of which not less than seven years remain unexpired; and

• “agricultural holding” has the same meaning as in the [1986 c. 5.] Agricultural Holdings Act 1986.

67Notification of applications for planning permission for mineral working

(1)In the case of applications for planning permission for development consisting of the winning and working of minerals section 66 shall have effect with the following modifications.

(2)Subsection (1) of that section and the following provisions of this section shall have effect as if any person entitled to an interest in a relevant mineral in any of the land to which the application relates were an owner of the land.

(3)In the case of an application for planning permission for development consisting of the winning and working of minerals by underground mining operations, the local planning authority may entertain the application if, instead of being accompanied by any of the certificates mentioned in subsection (1) of that section, it is accompanied by a certificate signed by or on behalf of the applicant—

(a)stating that he has given the requisite notice of the application to such one or more of the persons specified in the certificate who, at the beginning of the period of 21 days ending with the date of the application, were owners (within the meaning of section 66) of any of the land to which the application relates or entitled to an interest in a relevant mineral in that land;

(b)setting out the names of those persons, the addresses at which notice of the application was given to them respectively and the date of service of each such notice;

(c)stating that there is no such person as is mentioned in paragraph (a) whom the applicant knows to be such a person and whose name and address is known to the applicant but to whom he has not given the requisite notice of the application; and

(d)stating that he has complied with subsection (7) and when he did so.

(4)In this section “relevant mineral” means any mineral other than oil, gas, coal, gold or silver.

(5)Any such certificate as is mentioned in subsection (3) must also contain a statement that the requisite notice of the application, as set out in the certificate, has on a date specified in it been published in a local newspaper circulating in the locality in which the land in question is situated.

(6)The date specified under subsection (5) must not be earlier than the beginning of the period mentioned in paragraph (a) of subsection (3).

(7)In order to comply with this subsection the applicant must—

(a)post the requisite notice of the application, sited and displayed in such a way as to be easily visible and legible by members of the public, in at least one place in every parish or community within which there is situated any part of the land to which the application relates; and

(b)leave the notice in position for not less than seven days in the period of 21 days immediately preceding the making of the application to the local planning authority.

(8)The applicant shall not be treated as unable to comply with subsection (7) if the notice is, without any fault or intention of his, removed, obscured or defaced before the seven days referred to in subsection (7)(b) have elapsed, if he has taken reasonable steps for its protection and, if need be, replacement.

(9)If the applicant has cause to rely on subsection (8), his certificate under subsection (3) shall state the relevant circumstances.

(10)The notice required by subsection (7) shall (in addition to any other matters required to be contained in it) name a place within the area of the local planning authority to whom the application is made where a copy of the application for planning permission, and of all plans and other documents submitted with it, will be open to inspection by the public at all reasonable hours during such period as may be specified in the notice (which must not be less than 21 days beginning with the date on which the notice is first posted).

(11)Subsections (4), (5) and (6) of section 66 shall apply in relation to certificates under subsection (3) as they apply to certificates under subsection (1)(b) of that section but as if at the end of subsection (6) there were added the words “or, if later, the latest of the dates on which a notice was posted as mentioned in subsection (7)(a) of section 67”.

68Further provisions as to certificates under sections 65 to 67

(1)If any person—

(a)issues a certificate which purports to comply with the requirements of subsection (2)(b) of section 65 or of section 66 or 67 and contains a statement which he knows to be false or misleading in a material particular, or

(b)recklessly issues a certificate which purports to comply with those requirements and contains a statement which is false or misleading in a material particular,

he shall be guilty of an offence.

(2)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(3)Any certificate issued for the purpose of section 65, 66 or 67 shall be in such form as may be prescribed by a development order for a certificate under that section.

(4)Any reference in any provision of section 66 or 67 to the requisite notice, where a form of notice is prescribed by a development order for the purposes of that provision, is a reference to a notice in that form.

69Registers of applications, etc

(1)Every local planning authority shall keep, in such manner as may be prescribed by a development order, a register containing such information as may be so prescribed with respect to applications for planning permission made to that authority.

(2)The register shall contain—

(a)information as to the manner in which such applications have been dealt with, and

(b)such information as may be prescribed by a development order with respect to simplified planning zone schemes relating to zones in the authority’s area.

(3)A development order may make provision for the register to be kept in two or more parts, each part containing such information relating to applications for planning permission made to the authority as may be prescribed by the order.

(4)A development order may also make provision—

(a)for a specified part of the register to contain copies of applications and of any plans or drawings submitted with them; and

(b)for the entry relating to any application, and everything relating to it, to be removed from that part of the register when the application (including any appeal arising out of it) has been finally disposed of (without prejudice to the inclusion of any different entry relating to it in another part of the register).

(5)Every register kept under this section shall be available for inspection by the public at all reasonable hours.

Determination of applications

70Determination of applications: general considerations

(1)Where an application is made to a local planning authority for planning permission—

(a)subject to sections 91 and 92, they may grant planning permission, either unconditionally or subject to such conditions as they think fit; or

(b)they may refuse planning permission.

(2)In dealing with such an application the authority shall have regard to the provisions of the development plan, so far as material to the application, and to any other material considerations.

(3)Subsection (1) has effect subject to sections 65, 66 and 67 and to the following provisions of this Act, to sections 66, 67, 72 and 73 of the [1990 c. 9.] Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and to section 15 of the [1976 c. 83.] Health Services Act 1976.

71Consultations in connection with determinations under s. 70

(1)In determining any application for planning permission for development of a class designated under section 65, the local planning authority shall take into account any representations relating to that application which are received by them before the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the date of the application.

(2)Where an application for planning permission is accompanied by such a certificate as is mentioned in subsection (1)(b), (c) or (d) of section 66 or subsection (3) of section 67, or by a certificate containing a statement in accordance with subsection (4)(b) and (5) of section 66, the local planning authority—

(a)in determining the application, shall take into account any representations relating to it which are made to them, before the end of the period mentioned in subsection (6) of section 66, by any person who satisfies them that he is an owner of any land to which the application relates or that he is the tenant of an agricultural holding any part of which is comprised in that land; and

(b)shall give notice of their decision to every person who has made representations which they were required to take into account in accordance with paragraph (a);

and in the case of an application to which section 67 applies the reference in paragraph (a) to section 66(6) is a reference to that section as it applies by virtue of section 67(11).

(3)Before a local planning authority grant planning permission for the use of land as a caravan site, they shall, unless they are also the authority with power to issue a site licence for that land, consult the local authority with that power.

(4)In this section—

• “agricultural holding” has the same meaning as in section 66;

• “owner” has the same meaning as in section 66 or, as the case may be, section 67; and

• “site licence” means a licence under Part 1 of the [1960 c. 62.] Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 authorising the use of land as a caravan site.

72Conditional grant of planning permission

(1)Without prejudice to the generality of section 70(1), conditions may be imposed on the grant of planning permission under that section—

(a)for regulating the development or use of any land under the control of the applicant (whether or not it is land in respect of which the application was made) or requiring the carrying out of works on any such land, so far as appears to the local planning authority to be expedient for the purposes of or in connection with the development authorised by the permission;

(b)for requiring the removal of any buildings or works authorised by the permission, or the discontinuance of any use of land so authorised, at the end of a specified period, and the carrying out of any works required for the reinstatement of land at the end of that period.

(2)A planning permission granted subject to such a condition as is mentioned in subsection (1)(b) is in this Act referred to as “planning permission granted for a limited period”.

(3)Where—

(a)planning permission is granted for development consisting of or including the carrying out of building or other operations subject to a condition that the operations shall be commenced not later than a time specified in the condition; and

(b)any building or other operations are commenced after the time so specified,

the commencement and carrying out of those operations do not constitute development for which that permission was granted.

(4)Subsection (3)(a) does not apply to a condition attached to the planning permission by or under section 91 or 92.

(5)Part I of Schedule 5 shall have effect for the purpose of making special provision with respect to the conditions which may be imposed on the grant of planning permission for development consisting of the winning and working of minerals, and subsection (2) has effect subject to paragraph 1(6)(a) of that Schedule.

73Determination of applications to develop land without compliance with conditions previously attached

(1)This section applies, subject to subsection (4), to applications for planning permission for the development of land without complying with conditions subject to which a previous planning permission was granted.

(2)On such an application the local planning authority shall consider only the question of the conditions subject to which planning permission should be granted, and—

(a)if they decide that planning permission should be granted subject to conditions differing from those subject to which the previous permission was granted, or that it should be granted unconditionally, they shall grant planning permission accordingly, and

(b)if they decide that planning permission should be granted subject to the same conditions as those subject to which the previous permission was granted, they shall refuse the application.

(3)Special provision may be made with respect to such applications—

(a)by regulations under section 62 as regards the form and content of the application, and

(b)by a development order as regards the procedure to be followed in connection with the application.

(4)This section does not apply if the previous planning permission was granted subject to a condition as to the time within which the development to which it related was to be begun and that time has expired without the development having been begun.

74Directions etc. as to method of dealing with applications

(1)Provision may be made by a development order for regulating the manner in which applications for planning permission to develop land are to be dealt with by local planning authorities, and in particular—

(a)for enabling the Secretary of State to give directions restricting the grant of planning permission by the local planning authority, either indefinitely or during such period as may be specified in the directions, in respect of any such development, or in respect of development of any such class, as may be so specified;

(b)for authorising the local planning authority, in such cases and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the order or by directions given by the Secretary of State under it, to grant planning permission for development which does not accord with the provisions of the development plan;

(c)for requiring that, before planning permission for any development is granted or refused, local planning authorities prescribed by the order or by directions given by the Secretary of State under it shall consult with such authorities or persons as may be so prescribed;

(d)for requiring the local planning authority to give to any applicant for planning permission, within such time as may be prescribed by the order, such notice as may be so prescribed as to the manner in which his application has been dealt with;

(e)for requiring the local planning authority to give any applicant for any consent, agreement or approval required by a condition imposed on a grant of planning permission notice of their decision on his application, within such time as may be so prescribed;

(f)for requiring the local planning authority to give to the Secretary of State, and to such other persons as may be prescribed by or under the order, such information as may be so prescribed with respect to applications for planning permission made to the authority, including information as to the manner in which any such application has been dealt with.

(2)Subsection (1) is subject to the provisions of section 71 of this Act and sections 67(7) and 73(1) of the [1990 c. 9.] Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

75Effect of planning permission

(1)Without prejudice to the provisions of this Part as to the duration, revocation or modification of planning permission, any grant of planning permission to develop land shall (except in so far as the permission otherwise provides) enure for the benefit of the land and of all persons for the time being interested in it.

(2)Where planning permission is granted for the erection of a building, the grant of permission may specify the purposes for which the building may be used.

(3)If no purpose is so specified, the permission shall be construed as including permission to use the building for the purpose for which it is designed.

76Duty to draw attention to certain provisions for benefit of disabled

(1)This section applies when planning permission is granted for any development which will result in the provision—

(a)of a building or premises to which section 4 of the [1970 c. 44.] Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 applies (buildings or premises to which the public are to be admitted whether on payment or otherwise);

(b)of any of the following (being in each case, premises in which persons are employed to work)—

(i)office premises, shop premises and railway premises to which the [1963 c. 41.] Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 applies;

(ii)premises which are deemed to be such premises for the purposes of that Act; or

(iii)factories as defined by section 175 of the [1961 c. 34.] Factories Act 1961;

(c)of a building intended for the purposes of a university, university college or college, or of a school or hall of a university;

(d)of a building intended for the purposes of an institution within the PCFC funding sector; or

(e)of a building intended for the purposes of a school or an institution which provides higher education or further education (or both) and is maintained or assisted by a local education authority.

(2)The local planning authority granting the planning permission shall draw the attention of the person to whom the permission is granted—

(a)in the case of such a building or premises as are mentioned in subsection (1)(a)—

(i)to sections 4 and 7 of the [1970 c. 44.] Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970; and

(ii)to the Code of Practice for Access of the Disabled to Buildings (British Standards Institution code of practice BS 5810: 1979) or any prescribed document replacing that code;

(b)in the case of such premises as are mentioned in subsection (1)(b), to sections 7 and 8A of that Act and to that code or any such prescribed document replacing it;

(c)in the case of such a building as is mentioned in subsection (1)(c), (d) or (e), to sections 7 and 8 of that Act and to Design Note 18 “Access for Disabled People to Educational Buildings” published in 1984 on behalf of the Secretary of State, or any prescribed document replacing that note.

(3)Expressions used in subsection (1)(d) and (e) and in the [1944 c. 31.] Education Act 1944 have the same meanings as in that Act.

Secretary of State’s powers as respects planning applications and decisions

77Reference of applications to Secretary of State

(1)The Secretary of State may give directions requiring applications for planning permission, or for the approval of any local planning authority required under a development order, to be referred to him instead of being dealt with by local planning authorities.

(2)A direction under this section—

(a)may be given either to a particular local planning authority or to local planning authorities generally; and

(b)may relate either to a particular application or to applications of a class specified in the direction.

(3)Any application in respect of which a direction under this section has effect shall be referred to the Secretary of State accordingly.

(4)Subject to subsection (5), where an application for planning permission is referred to the Secretary of State under this section, sections 65(2) and (9), 66, 67, 70, 71(1) and (2), 72(1) and (5) and 73 shall apply, with any necessary modifications, as they apply to such an application which falls to be determined by the local planning authority.

(5)Before determining an application referred to him under this section, the Secretary of State shall, if either the applicant or the local planning authority wish, give each of them an opportunity of appearing before, and being heard by, a person appointed by the Secretary of State for the purpose.

(6)Subsection (5) does not apply to an application for planning permission referred to a Planning Inquiry Commission under section 101.

(7)The decision of the Secretary of State on any application referred to him under this section shall be final.

78Right to appeal against planning decisions and failure to take such decisions

(1)Where a local planning authority—

(a)refuse an application for planning permission or grant it subject to conditions;

(b)refuse an application for any consent, agreement or approval of that authority required by a condition imposed on a grant of planning permission or grant it subject to conditions; or

(c)refuse an application for any approval of that authority required under a development order or grant it subject to conditions,

the applicant may by notice appeal to the Secretary of State.

(2)A person who has made such an application may also appeal to the Secretary of State if the local planning authority have neither—

(a)given notice to the applicant of their decision on the application; nor

(b)given notice to him that the application has been referred to the Secretary of State in accordance with directions given under section 77,

within such period as may be prescribed by the development order or within such extended period as may at any time be agreed upon in writing between the applicant and the authority.

(3)Any appeal under this section shall be made by notice served within such time and in such manner as may be prescribed by a development order.

(4)The time prescribed for the service of such a notice must not be less than—

(a)28 days from the date of notification of the decision; or

(b)in the case of an appeal under subsection (2), 28 days from the end of the period prescribed as mentioned in subsection (2) or, as the case may be, the extended period mentioned in that subsection.

(5)For the purposes of the application of sections 79(1), 253(2)(c), 266(1)(b) and 288(10)(b) in relation to an appeal under subsection (2), it shall be assumed that the authority decided to refuse the application in question.

79Determination of appeals

(1)On an appeal under section 78 the Secretary of State may—

(a)allow or dismiss the appeal, or

(b)reverse or vary any part of the decision of the local planning authority (whether the appeal relates to that part of it or not),

and may deal with the application as if it had been made to him in the first instance.

(2)Before determining an appeal under section 78 the Secretary of State shall, if either the appellant or the local planning authority so wish, give each of them an opportunity of appearing before and being heard by a person appointed by the Secretary of State for the purpose.

(3)Subsection (2) does not apply to an appeal referred to a Planning Inquiry Commission under section 101.

(4)Subject to subsection (2), the provisions of sections 66, 67, 70, 71(2), 72(1) and (5) and 73 and Part I of Schedule 5 shall apply, with any necessary modifications, in relation to an appeal to the Secretary of State under section 78 as they apply in relation to an application for planning permission which falls to be determined by the local planning authority.

(5)The decision of the Secretary of State on such an appeal shall be final.

(6)If, before or during the determination of such an appeal in respect of an application for planning permission to develop land, the Secretary of State forms the opinion that, having regard to the provisions of sections 70 and 72(1), the development order and any directions given under that order, planning permission for that development—

(a)could not have been granted by the local planning authority; or

(b)could not have been granted otherwise than subject to the conditions imposed,

he may decline to determine the appeal or to proceed with the determination.

(7)Schedule 6 applies to appeals under section 78, including appeals under that section as applied by or under any other provision of this Act.

80Review of planning decisions where compensation claimed

(1)This section and section 81 apply where, in accordance with the provisions of Part V, one or more claims for compensation in respect of a planning decision have been transmitted to the Secretary of State and the claim, or (if there is more than one) one or more of the claims, has not been withdrawn.

(2)If, in the case of a planning decision of the local planning authority, it appears to the Secretary of State that, if the application for permission to develop the land in question had been referred to him for determination, he would have made a decision more favourable to the applicant, the Secretary of State may give a direction substituting that decision for the decision of the local planning authority.

(3)The reference in subsection (2) to a decision more favourable to the applicant shall be construed—

(a)in relation to a refusal of permission, as a reference to a decision granting the permission, either unconditionally or subject to conditions, and either in respect of the whole of the land to which the application for permission related or in respect of part of that land; and

(b)in relation to a grant of permission subject to conditions, as a reference to a decision granting the permission applied for unconditionally or subject to less stringent conditions.

(4)If in any case it appears to the Secretary of State that planning permission could properly be granted (either unconditionally or subject to certain conditions) for some development of the land in question other than the development to which the application for planning permission related, the Secretary of State may give a direction that this Act shall have effect in relation to that application and to the planning decision—

(a)as if the application had included an application for permission for that other development, and the decision had included the grant of planning permission (unconditionally or, as the case may be, subject to those conditions) for that development; or

(b)as if the decision had been made by him and had included an undertaking to grant planning permission (unconditionally or, as the case may be, subject to those conditions) for that development,

as may be specified in the direction.

81Provisions supplementary to s. 80

(1)Before giving a direction under section 80 the Secretary of State shall give notice in writing of his proposed direction—

(a)to the local planning authority to whose decision that direction relates, and

(b)to any person who made, and has not since withdrawn, a claim for compensation in respect of that decision.

(2)If so required by the local planning authority or by any such person, the Secretary of State shall give each of them an opportunity to appear before, and be heard by, a person appointed by the Secretary of State for the purpose.

(3)In giving any direction under section 80, the Secretary of State shall have regard—

(a)to the provisions of the development plan for the area in which the land in question is situated (in so far as those provisions are material to the development of that land); and

(b)to the local circumstances affecting the proposed development, including the use which prevails generally in the case of contiguous or adjacent land; and

(c)to any other material considerations.

(4)Where the Secretary of State gives a direction under section 80, he shall give notice of the direction—

(a)to the local planning authority to whose decision the direction relates; and

(b)to any person who made, and has not since withdrawn, a claim for compensation in respect of that decision.

Simplified planning zones

82Simplified planning zones

(1)A simplified planning zone is an area in respect of which a simplified planning zone scheme is in force.

(2)The adoption or approval of a simplified planning zone scheme has effect to grant in relation to the zone, or any part of it specified in the scheme, planning permission—

(a)for development specified in the scheme, or

(b)for development of any class so specified.

(3)Planning permission under a simplified planning zone scheme may be unconditional or subject to such conditions, limitations or exceptions as may be specified in the scheme.

83Making of simplified planning zone schemes

(1)Every local planning authority shall consider, as soon as practicable after 2nd November 1987, the question for which part or parts of their area a simplified planning zone scheme is desirable, and then shall keep that question under review.

(2)If as a result of their original consideration or of any such review a local planning authority decide that it is desirable to prepare a scheme for any part of their area they shall do so; and a local planning authority may at any time decide—

(a)to make a simplified planning zone scheme, or

(b)to alter a scheme adopted by them, or

(c)with the consent of the Secretary of State, to alter a scheme approved by him.

(3)Schedule 7 has effect with respect to the making and alteration of simplified planning zone schemes and other related matters.

84Simplified planning zone schemes: conditions and limitations on planning permission

(1)The conditions and limitations on planning permission which may be specified in a simplified planning zone scheme may include—

(a)conditions or limitations in respect of all development permitted by the scheme or in respect of particular descriptions of development so permitted, and

(b)conditions or limitations requiring the consent, agreement or approval of the local planning authority in relation to particular descriptions of permitted development.

(2)Different conditions or limitations may be specified in a simplified planning zone scheme for different cases or classes of case.

(3)Nothing in a simplified planning zone scheme shall affect the right of any person—

(a)to do anything not amounting to development, or

(b)to carry out development for which planning permission is not required or for which permission has been granted otherwise than by the scheme.

(4)No limitation or restriction subject to which permission has been granted otherwise than under the scheme shall affect the right of any person to carry out development for which permission has been granted under the scheme.

85Duration of simplified planning zone scheme

(1)A simplified planning zone scheme shall take effect on the date of its adoption or approval and shall cease to have effect at the end of the period of 10 years beginning with that date.

(2)When the scheme ceases to have effect planning permission under it shall also cease to have effect except in a case where the development authorised by it has been begun.

86Alteration of simplified planning zone scheme

(1)This section applies where alterations to a simplified planning zone scheme are adopted or approved.

(2)The adoption or approval of alterations providing for the inclusion of land in the simplified planning zone has effect to grant in relation to that land, or such part of it as is specified in the scheme, planning permission for development so specified or of any class so specified.

(3)The adoption or approval of alterations providing for the grant of planning permission has effect to grant such permission in relation to the simplified planning zone, or such part of it as is specified in the scheme, for development so specified or development of any class so specified.

(4)The adoption or approval of alterations providing for the withdrawal or relaxation of conditions, limitations or restrictions to which planning permission under the scheme is subject has effect to withdraw or relax the conditions, limitations or restrictions immediately.

(5)The adoption or approval of alterations providing for—

(a)the exclusion of land from the simplified planning zone,

(b)the withdrawal of planning permission, or

(c)the imposition of new or more stringent conditions, limitations or restrictions to which planning permission under the scheme is subject,

has effect to withdraw permission, or to impose the conditions, limitations or restrictions, with effect from the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the date of the adoption or approval.

(6)The adoption or approval of alterations to a scheme does not affect planning permission under the scheme in any case where the development authorised by it has been begun.

87Exclusion of certain descriptions of land or development

(1)The following descriptions of land may not be included in a simplified planning zone—

(a)land in a National Park;

(b)land in a conservation area;

(c)land within the Broads;

(d)land in an area designated under section 87 of the National Parks and Access to the [1949 c. 97.] Countryside Act 1949 as an area of outstanding natural beauty;

(e)land identified in the development plan for the district as part of a green belt;

(f)land in respect of which a notification or order is in force under section 28 or 29 of the [1981 c. 69.] Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (areas of special scientific interest).

(2)Where land included in a simplified planning zone becomes land of a description mentioned in subsection (1), that subsection does not operate to exclude it from the zone.

(3)The Secretary of State may by order provide that no simplified planning zone scheme shall have effect to grant planning permission—

(a)in relation to an area of land specified in the order or to areas of land of a description so specified, or

(b)for development of a description specified in the order.

(4)An order under subsection (3) has effect to withdraw such planning permission under a simplified planning zone scheme already in force with effect from the date on which the order comes into force, except in a case where the development authorised by the permission has been begun.

Enterprise zone schemes

88Planning permission for development in enterprise zones

(1)An order designating an enterprise zone under Schedule 32 to the [1980 c. 65.] Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 shall (without more) have effect on the date on which the order designating the zone takes effect to grant planning permission for development specified in the scheme or for development of any class so specified.

(2)The approval of a modified scheme under paragraph 11 of that Schedule shall (without more) have effect on the date on which the modifications take effect to grant planning permission for development specified in the modified scheme or for development of any class so specified.

(3)Planning permission so granted shall be subject to such conditions or limitations as may be specified in the scheme or modified scheme or, if none is specified, shall be unconditional.

(4)Subject to subsection (5), where planning permission is so granted for any development or class of development the enterprise zone authority may direct that the permission shall not apply in relation—

(a)to a specified development; or

(b)to a specified class of development; or

(c)to a specified class of development in a specified area within the enterprise zone.

(5)An enterprise zone authority shall not give a direction under subsection (4) unless—

(a)they have submitted it to the Secretary of State, and

(b)he has notified them that he approves of their giving it.

(6)If the scheme or the modified scheme specifies, in relation to any development it permits, matters which will require approval by the enterprise zone authority, the permission shall have effect accordingly.

(7)The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision as to—

(a)the procedure for giving a direction under subsection (4); and

(b)the method and procedure relating to the approval of matters specified in a scheme or modified scheme as mentioned in subsection (6).

(8)Such regulations may modify any provision of the planning Acts or any instrument made under them or may apply any such provision or instrument (with or without modification) in making any such provision as is mentioned in subsection (7).

(9)Nothing in this section prevents planning permission being granted in relation to land in an enterprise zone otherwise than by virtue of this section (whether the permission is granted in pursuance of an application made under this Part or by a development order).

(10)Nothing in this section prejudices the right of any person to carry out development apart from this section.

89Effect on planning permission of modification or termination of scheme

(1)Modifications to an enterprise zone scheme do not affect planning permission under the scheme in any case where the development authorised by it has been begun before the modifications take effect.

(2)When an area ceases to be an enterprise zone, planning permission under the scheme shall cease to have effect except in a case where the development authorised by it has been begun.

Deemed planning permission

90Development with government authorisation

(1)Where the authorisation of a government department is required by virtue of an enactment in respect of development to be carried out by a local authority, or by statutory undertakers who are not a local authority, that department may, on granting that authorisation, direct that planning permission for that development shall be deemed to be granted, subject to such conditions (if any) as may be specified in the direction.

(2)On granting a consent under section 36 or 37 of the [1989 c. 29.] Electricity Act 1989 in respect of any operation or change of use that constitutes development, the Secretary of State may direct that planning permission for that development and any ancillary development shall be deemed to be granted, subject to such conditions (if any) as may be specified in the direction.

(3)The provisions of this Act (except Parts V and XII) shall apply in relation to any planning permission deemed to be granted by virtue of a direction under this section as if it had been granted by the Secretary of State on an application referred to him under section 77.

(4)For the purposes of this section development is authorised by a government department if—

(a)any consent, authority or approval to or for the development is granted by the department in pursuance of an enactment;

(b)a compulsory purchase order is confirmed by the department authorising the purchase of land for the purpose of the development;

(c)consent is granted by the department to the appropriation of land for the purpose of the development or the acquisition of land by agreement for that purpose;

(d)authority is given by the department—

(i)for the borrowing of money for the purpose of the development, or

(ii)for the application for that purpose of any money not otherwise so applicable; or

(e)any undertaking is given by the department to pay a grant in respect of the development in accordance with an enactment authorising the payment of such grants;

and references in this section to the authorisation of a government department shall be construed accordingly.

(5)In subsection (2) “ancillary development”, in relation to development consisting of the extension of a generating station, does not include any development which is not directly related to the generation of electricity by that station; and in this subsection “extension” and “generating station” have the same meanings as in Part I of the [1989 c. 29.] Electricity Act 1989.

Duration of planning permission

91General condition limiting duration of planning permission

(1)Subject to the provisions of this section, every planning permission granted or deemed to be granted shall be granted or, as the case may be, be deemed to be granted, subject to the condition that the development to which it relates must be begun not later than the expiration of—

(a)five years beginning with the date on which the permission is granted or, as the case may be, deemed to be granted; or

(b)such other period (whether longer or shorter) beginning with that date as the authority concerned with the terms of planning permission may direct.

(2)The period mentioned in subsection (1)(b) shall be a period which the authority consider appropriate having regard to the provisions of the development plan and to any other material considerations.

(3)If planning permission is granted without the condition required by subsection (1), it shall be deemed to have been granted subject to the condition that the development to which it relates must be begun not later than the expiration of five years beginning with the date of the grant.

(4)Nothing in this section applies—

(a)to any planning permission granted by a development order;

(b)to any planning permission granted under section 63 on an application relating to buildings or works completed, or a use of land instituted, before the date of the application;

(c)to any planning permission granted for a limited period;

(d)to any planning permission for development consisting of the winning and working of minerals which is granted (or deemed to be granted) subject to a condition that the development to which it relates must be begun before the expiration of a specified period after the completion of other development consisting of the winning and working of minerals which is already being carried out by the applicant for the planning permission;

(e)to any planning permission granted by an enterprise zone scheme;

(f)to any planning permission granted by a simplified planning zone scheme; or

(g)to any outline planning permission, as defined by section 92.

92Outline planning permission

(1)In this section and section 91 “outline planning permission” means planning permission granted, in accordance with the provisions of a development order, with the reservation for subsequent approval by the local planning authority or the Secretary of State of matters not particularised in the application (“reserved matters”).

(2)Subject to the following provisions of this section, where outline planning permission is granted for development consisting in or including the carrying out of building or other operations, it shall be granted subject to conditions to the effect—

(a)that, in the case of any reserved matter, application for approval must be made not later than the expiration of three years beginning with the date of the grant of outline planning permission; and

(b)that the development to which the permission relates must be begun not later than—

(i)the expiration of five years from the date of the grant of outline planning permission; or

(ii)if later, the expiration of two years from the final approval of the reserved matters or, in the case of approval on different dates, the final approval of the last such matter to be approved.

(3)If outline planning permission is granted without the conditions required by subsection (2), it shall be deemed to have been granted subject to those conditions.

(4)The authority concerned with the terms of an outline planning permission may, in applying subsection (2), substitute, or direct that there be substituted, for the periods of three years, five years or two years referred to in that subsection such other periods respectively (whether longer or shorter) as they consider appropriate.

(5)They may also specify, or direct that there be specified, separate periods under paragraph (a) of subsection (2) in relation to separate parts of the development to which the planning permission relates; and, if they do so, the condition required by paragraph (b) of that subsection shall then be framed correspondingly by reference to those parts, instead of by reference to the development as a whole.

(6)In considering whether to exercise their powers under subsections (4) and (5), the authority shall have regard to the provisions of the development plan and to any other material considerations.

93Provisions supplementary to ss. 91 and 92

(1)The authority referred to in section 91(1)(b) or 92(4) is—

(a)the local planning authority or the Secretary of State, in the case of planning permission granted by them,

(b)in the case of planning permission deemed to be granted under section 90(1), the department on whose direction planning permission is deemed to be granted, and

(c)in the case of planning permission deemed to be granted under section 90(2), the Secretary of State.

(2)For the purposes of section 92, a reserved matter shall be treated as finally approved—

(a)when an application for approval is granted, or

(b)in a case where the application is made to the local planning authority and on an appeal to the Secretary of State against the authority’s decision on the application the Secretary of State grants the approval, when the appeal is determined.

(3)Where a local planning authority grant planning permission, the fact that any of the conditions of the permission are required by the provisions of section 91 or 92 to be imposed, or are deemed by those provisions to be imposed, shall not prevent the conditions being the subject of an appeal under section 78 against the decision of the authority.

(4)In the case of planning permission (whether outline or other) which has conditions attached to it by or under section 91 or 92—

(a)development carried out after the date by which the conditions require it to be carried out shall be treated as not authorised by the permission; and

(b)an application for approval of a reserved matter, if it is made after the date by which the conditions require it to be made, shall be treated as not made in accordance with the terms of the permission.

94Termination of planning permission by reference to time limit: completion notices

(1)This section applies where—

(a)by virtue of section 91 or 92, a planning permission is subject to a condition that the development to which the permission relates must be begun before the expiration of a particular period, that development has been begun within that period, but that period has elapsed without the development having been completed; or

(b)development has been begun in accordance with planning permission under a simplified planning zone scheme but has not been completed by the time the area ceases to be a simplified planning zone; or

(c)development has been begun in accordance with planning permission under an enterprise zone scheme but has not been completed by the time the area ceases to be an enterprise zone.

(2)If the local planning authority are of the opinion that the development will not be completed within a reasonable period, they may serve a notice (“a completion notice”) stating that the planning permission will cease to have effect at the expiration of a further period specified in the notice.

(3)The period so specified must not be less than 12 months after the notice takes effect.

(4)A completion notice shall be served—

(a)on the owner of the land,

(b)on the occupier of the land, and

(c)on any other person who in the opinion of the local planning authority will be affected by the notice.

(5)The local planning authority may withdraw a completion notice at any time before the expiration of the period specified in it as the period at the expiration of which the planning permission is to cease to have effect.

(6)If they do so they shall immediately give notice of the withdrawal to every person who was served with the completion notice.

95Effect of completion notice

(1)A completion notice shall not take effect unless and until it is confirmed by the Secretary of State.

(2)In confirming a completion notice the Secretary of State may substitute some longer period for that specified in the notice as the period at the expiration of which the planning permission is to cease to have effect.

(3)If, within such period as may be specified in a completion notice (which must not be less than 28 days from its service) any person on whom the notice is served so requires, the Secretary of State, before confirming the notice, shall give him and the local planning authority an opportunity of appearing before and being heard by a person appointed by the Secretary of State for the purpose.

(4)If a completion notice takes effect, the planning permission referred to in it shall become invalid at the expiration of the period specified in the notice (whether the original period specified under section 94(2) or a longer period substituted by the Secretary of State under subsection (2)).

(5)Subsection (4) shall not affect any permission so far as development carried out under it before the end of the period mentioned in that subsection is concerned.

96Power of Secretary of State to serve completion notices

(1)If it appears to the Secretary of State to be expedient that a completion notice should be served in respect of any land, he may himself serve such a notice.

(2)A completion notice served by the Secretary of State shall have the same effect as if it had been served by the local planning authority.

(3)The Secretary of State shall not serve such a notice without consulting the local planning authority.

Revocation and modification of planning permission

97Power to revoke or modify planning permission

(1)If it appears to the local planning authority that it is expedient to revoke or modify any permission to develop land granted on an application made under this Part, the authority may by order revoke or modify the permission to such extent as they consider expedient.

(2)In exercising their functions under subsection (1) the authority shall have regard to the development plan and to any other material considerations.

(3)The power conferred by this section may be exercised—

(a)where the permission relates to the carrying out of building or other operations, at any time before those operations have been completed;

(b)where the permission relates to a change of the use of any land, at any time before the change has taken place.

(4)The revocation or modification of permission for the carrying out of building or other operations shall not affect so much of those operations as has been previously carried out.

(5)References in this section to the local planning authority are to be construed in relation to development consisting of the winning and working of minerals as references to the mineral planning authority, and Part II of Schedule 5 shall have effect for the purpose of making special provision with respect to the conditions which may be imposed by an order under this section revoking or modifying permission for such development.

98Procedure for s. 97 orders: opposed cases

(1)Except as provided in section 99, an order under section 97 shall not take effect unless it is confirmed by the Secretary of State.

(2)Where a local planning authority submit such an order to the Secretary of State for confirmation, they shall serve notice on—

(a)the owner of the land affected,

(b)the occupier of the land affected, and

(c)any other person who in their opinion will be affected by the order.

(3)The notice shall specify the period within which any person on whom it is served may require the Secretary of State to give him an opportunity of appearing before, and being heard by, a person appointed by the Secretary of State for the purpose.

(4)If within that period such a person so requires, before the Secretary of State confirms the order he shall give such an opportunity both to him and to the local planning authority.

(5)The period referred to in subsection (3) must not be less than 28 days from the service of the notice.

(6)The Secretary of State may confirm an order submitted to him under this section either without modification or subject to such modifications as he considers expedient.

99Procedure for s. 97 orders: unopposed cases

(1)This section applies where—

(a)the local planning authority have made an order under section 97; and

(b)the owner and the occupier of the land and all persons who in the authority’s opinion will be affected by the order have notified the authority in writing that they do not object to it.

(2)Where this section applies, instead of submitting the order to the Secretary of State for confirmation the authority shall advertise in the prescribed manner the fact that the order has been made, and the advertisement must specify—

(a)the period within which persons affected by the order may give notice to the Secretary of State that they wish for an opportunity of appearing before, and being heard by, a person appointed by the Secretary of State for the purpose; and

(b)the period at the expiration of which, if no such notice is given to the Secretary of State, the order may take effect by virtue of this section without being confirmed by the Secretary of State.

(3)The authority shall also serve notice to the same effect on the persons mentioned in subsection (1)(b).

(4)The period referred to in subsection (2)(a) must not be less than 28 days from the date the advertisement first appears.

(5)The period referred to in subsection (2)(b) must not be less than 14 days from the expiration of the period referred to in subsection (2)(a).

(6)The authority shall send a copy of any advertisement published under subsection (2) to the Secretary of State not more than three days after the publication.

(7)If—

(a)no person claiming to be affected by the order has given notice to the Secretary of State under subsection (2)(a) within the period referred to in that subsection, and

(b)the Secretary of State has not directed within that period that the order be submitted to him for confirmation,

the order shall take effect at the expiry of the period referred to in subsection (2)(b), without being confirmed by the Secretary of State as required by section 98(1).

(8)This section does not apply—

(a)to an order revoking or modifying a planning permission granted or deemed to have been granted by the Secretary of State under this Part or Part VII, or

(b)to an order modifying any conditions to which a planning permission is subject by virtue of section 91 or 92.

100Revocation and modification of planning permission by the Secretary of State

(1)If it appears to the Secretary of State that it is expedient that an order should be made under section 97, he may himself make such an order.

(2)Such an order which is made by the Secretary of State shall have the same effect as if it had been made by the local planning authority and confirmed by the Secretary of State.

(3)The Secretary of State shall not make such an order without consulting the local planning authority.

(4)Where the Secretary of State proposes to make such an order he shall serve notice on the local planning authority.

(5)The notice shall specify the period (which must not be less than 28 days from the date of its service) within which the authority may require an opportunity of appearing before and being heard by a person appointed by the Secretary of State for the purpose.

(6)If within that period the authority so require, before the Secretary of State makes the order he shall give the authority such an opportunity.

(7)The provisions of this Part and of any regulations made under this Act with respect to the procedure to be followed in connection with the submission by the local planning authority of any order under section 97 and its confirmation by the Secretary of State shall have effect, subject to any necessary modifications, in relation to any proposal by the Secretary of State to make such an order and its making by him.

(8)Subsection (5) of section 97 applies for the purposes of this section as it applies for the purposes of that section.

References to Planning Inquiry Commission

101Power to refer certain planning questions to Planning Inquiry Commission

(1)The Secretary of State may constitute a Planning Inquiry Commission to inquire into and report on any matter referred to them under subsection (2) in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (3).

(2)The matters that may be referred to a Planning Inquiry Commission are—

(a)an application for planning permission which the Secretary of State has under section 77 directed to be referred to him instead of being dealt with by a local planning authority;

(b)an appeal under section 78 (including that section as applied by or under any other provision of this Act);

(c)a proposal that a government department should give a direction under section 90(1) that planning permission shall be deemed to be granted for development by a local authority or by statutory undertakers which is required by any enactment to be authorised by that department;

(d)a proposal that development should be carried out by or on behalf of a government department.

(3)Any of those matters may be referred to any such commission under this section if it appears expedient to the responsible Minister or Ministers that the question whether the proposed development should be permitted to be carried out should be the subject of a special inquiry on either or both of the following grounds—

(a)that there are considerations of national or regional importance which are relevant to the determination of that question and require evaluation, but a proper evaluation of them cannot be made unless there is a special inquiry for the purpose;

(b)that the technical or scientific aspects of the proposed development are of so unfamiliar a character as to jeopardise a proper determination of that question unless there is a special inquiry for the purpose.

(4)Part I of Schedule 8 shall have effect as respects the constitution of any such commission and its functions and procedure on references to it under this section, and the references in subsection (3) and in that Schedule to “the responsible Minister or Ministers” shall be construed in accordance with Part II of that Schedule.

(5)In relation to any matter affecting both England and Wales, the functions of the Secretary of State under subsection (1) shall be exercised by the Secretaries of State for the time being having general responsibility in planning matters in relation to England and in relation to Wales acting jointly.

Other controls over development

102Orders requiring discontinuance of use or alteration or removal of buildings or works

(1)If, having regard to the development plan and to any other material considerations, it appears to a local planning authority that it is expedient in the interests of the proper planning of their area (including the interests of amenity)—

(a)that any use of land should be discontinued or that any conditions should be imposed on the continuance of a use of land; or

(b)that any buildings or works should be altered or removed,

they may by order—

(i)require the discontinuance of that use, or

(ii)impose such conditions as may be specified in the order on the continuance of it, or

(iii)require such steps as may be so specified to be taken for the alteration or removal of the buildings or works,

as the case may be.

(2)An order under this section may grant planning permission for any development of the land to which the order relates, subject to such conditions as may be specified in the order.

(3)Section 97 shall apply in relation to any planning permission granted by an order under this section as it applies in relation to planning permission granted by the local planning authority on an application made under this Part.

(4)The power conferred by subsection (2) includes power, by an order under this section, to grant planning permission, subject to such conditions as may be specified in the order—

(a)for the retention, on the land to which the order relates, of buildings or works constructed or carried out before the date on which the order was submitted to the Secretary of State under section 103; or

(b)for the continuance of a use of that land instituted before that date.

(5)Any planning permission granted in accordance with subsection (4) may be granted—

(a)so as to take effect from the date on which the buildings or works were constructed or carried out, or the use was instituted, or

(b)in the case of buildings or works constructed or a use instituted in accordance with planning permission granted for a limited period, so as to take effect from the end of that period.

(6)Where the requirements of an order under this section will involve the displacement of persons residing in any premises, it shall be the duty of the local planning authority, in so far as there is no other residential accommodation suitable to the reasonable requirements of those persons available on reasonable terms, to secure the provision of such accommodation in advance of the displacement.

(7)Subject to section 103(8), in the case of planning permission granted by an order under this section, the authority referred to in sections 91(1)(b) and 92(4) is the local planning authority making the order.

(8)The previous provisions of this section do not apply to the use of any land for development consisting in the winning or working of minerals except as provided in Schedule 9, and that Schedule shall have effect for the purpose of making provision as respects land which is or has been so used.

103Confirmation by Secretary of State of s. 102 orders

(1)An order under section 102 shall not take effect unless it is confirmed by the Secretary of State, either without modification or subject to such modifications as he considers expedient.

(2)The power of the Secretary of State under this section to confirm an order subject to modifications includes power—

(a)to modify any provision of the order granting planning permission, as mentioned in subsections (2) to (5) of section 102;

(b)to include in the order any grant of planning permission which might have been included in the order as submitted to him.

(3)Where a local planning authority submit an order to the Secretary of State for his confirmation under this section, they shall serve notice—

(a)on the owner of the land affected,

(b)on the occupier of that land, and

(c)on any other person who in their opinion will be affected by the order.

(4)The notice shall specify the period within which any person on whom it is served may require the Secretary of State to give him an opportunity of appearing before, and being heard by, a person appointed by the Secretary of State for the purpose.

(5)If within that period such a person so requires, before the Secretary of State confirms the order, he shall give such an opportunity both to him and to the local planning authority.

(6)The period referred to in subsection (4) must not be less than 28 days from the service of the notice.

(7)Where an order under section 102 has been confirmed by the Secretary of State, the local planning authority shall serve a copy of the order on the owner and occupier of the land to which the order relates.

(8)Where the Secretary of State exercises his powers under subsection (2) in confirming an order granting planning permission, he is the authority referred to in sections 91(1)(b) and 92(4).

104Power of the Secretary of State to make s. 102 orders

(1)If it appears to the Secretary of State that it is expedient that an order should be made under section 102, he may himself make such an order.

(2)Such an order made by the Secretary of State shall have the same effect as if it had been made by the local planning authority and confirmed by the Secretary of State.

(3)The Secretary of State shall not make such an order without consulting the local planning authority.

(4)Where the Secretary of State proposes to make such an order he shall serve notice on the local planning authority.

(5)The notice shall specify the period within which the authority may require an opportunity of appearing before and being heard by a person appointed by the Secretary of State for the purpose.

(6)If within that period the authority so require, before the Secretary of State makes the order he shall give the authority such an opportunity.

(7)The period referred to in subsection (5) must not be less than 28 days from the date of the service of the notice.

(8)The provisions of this Part and of any regulations made under this Act with respect to the procedure to be followed in connection with the submission by the local planning authority of any order under section 102, its confirmation by the Secretary of State and the service of copies of it as confirmed shall have effect, subject to any necessary modifications, in relation to any proposal by the Secretary of State to make such an order, its making by him and the service of copies of it.

105Duty of mineral planning authorities to review mineral workings

(1)It shall be the duty of every mineral planning authority—

(a)to undertake at such intervals as they consider fit reviews of every site in their area in, on or under which operations for the winning and working of minerals—

(i)are being carried out; or

(ii)have been carried out at any time during the relevant period; or

(iii)are authorised by planning permission but have not been begun; and

(b)to make in respect of any such site any order under section 97 or under paragraph 1, 3, 5 or 6 of Schedule 9 that they consider appropriate.

(2)In subsection (1) “the relevant period”, in relation to a review, means the period of five years preceding the date of the beginning of the review or such other period as may be prescribed.

106Agreements regulating development or use of land

(1)A local planning authority may enter into an agreement with any person interested in land in their area for the purpose of restricting or regulating the development or use of the land, either permanently or during such period as may be prescribed by the agreement.

(2)Any such agreement may contain such incidental and consequential provisions (including financial ones) as appear to the local planning authority to be necessary or expedient for the purposes of the agreement.

(3)An agreement made under this section with any person interested in land may be enforced by the local planning authority against persons deriving title under that person in respect of that land as if the local planning authority were possessed of adjacent land and as if the agreement had been expressed to be made for the benefit of such land.

(4)Nothing in this section or in any agreement made under it shall be construed—

(a)as restricting the exercise, in relation to land which is the subject of any such agreement, of any powers exercisable by any Minister or authority under this Act so long as those powers are exercised in accordance with the provisions of the development plan, or in accordance with any directions which may have been given by the Secretary of State as to the provisions to be included in such a plan; or

(b)as requiring the exercise of any such powers otherwise than as mentioned in paragraph (a).