Review of Regionally Significant Developments & Judicial Reviews

This consultation has now closed.

At its meeting of 11 March 2026, the Committee agreed to undertake a short, sharp review into aspects of planning to conclude by the summer recess. The Committee agreed to look in detail at:

• Regionally Significant Developments; and
• Judicial Reviews of major capital projects.

The Department for Infrastructure has overall policy responsibility for planning, although the majority of planning decisions are taken at local councils. However, the Department is responsible for planning decisions for Regionally Significant projects and has the power to ‘call in’ applications from local councils[1]. Disputed planning applications can also be subject to Judicial Review.