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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the publication entitled Planning powers for mayors in England, of 24 August 2026, para 17, whether there will be any public planning hearing before a mayor directs a local planning authority to refuse an application.

Under the statutory framework for mayoral planning powers, there is no requirement for a public planning hearing before a mayor can direct refusal of applications of potential strategic importance.

The power to direct refusal will be subject to statutory tests, and an applicant will be able to appeal this decision to the Secretary of State.