Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether local authorities are required to consult with residents of a neighbouring authority when a planning application is submitted relating to land abutting both local areas.

Local planning authorities are legally required to publicise applications for planning permission, prior to deciding the application.

There is nothing to prevent a local planning authority notifying a neighbour resident in an adjoining authority area, where the application site abuts the boundary, and it would be considered good practice to do so.

In some cases, such as for major development, the local planning authority has a statutory duty to either display a site notice or serve a notice on any adjoining owner/occupier informing them of the application, irrespective of the location of any local authority boundary.

Local planning authorities must consider all representations received within the prescribed consultation period.