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<p>To date, Government has issued no guidance to local planning authorities about
consideration of planning applications during the pre-election period. <br> <br>Within
my Department, caution is exercised during both general and local election periods,
with no substantive decisions issued. During these periods, where I receive a request
to intervene in a case, or a case is referred to me by an authority, I am able to
delay a grant of planning permission while I consider whether or not to call-in an
application, by means of a holding direction issued under section 31 of the Town and
Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015.</p><p>Local
authorities should exercise good judgement about whether it is appropriate to determine
cases of local or national significance or controversy during a pre-election period
of sensitivity. I intend to work with the Local Government Association to ensure they
provide suitable guidance to councils to this effect.</p><p> </p>
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