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ARTICLE · 06 JULY 2026

Nine LPAs Placed Into ‘special Measures’: What Developers Need To Know About Major Planning Applications

Gowling WLG
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The UK Government has designated nine local planning authorities for "special measures" under section 62A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, enabling developers to bypass local councils and submit major planning applications directly to the Planning Inspectorate. This intervention creates new strategic options for housebuilders and commercial developers, but requires careful consideration of when and how to use this alternative route to consent.

United KingdomReal Estate and Construction
Vicky Fowler
Vicky Fowler
Toni Weston
Toni Weston
Ben Stansfield
Ben Stansfield
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The UK Government has placed nine local planning authorities into “special measures” under section 62A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, allowing developers to bypass them and apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate. This article explains what this means in practice for major development schemes and how developers should respond.

From 15 June 2026, developers promoting qualifying schemes in those areas may choose to apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate (acting on behalf of the Secretary of State), rather than the relevant local authority.

This represents a notable intervention in the development management system and creates both opportunities and strategic considerations for housebuilders and commercial developers operating in these locations.

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