Planning and Development (Material Interest) Bill 2026

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

The bill would stop planning objections and appeals from being used by people who have no real connection to a proposed development, so only those with a material interest — plus certain public authorities — could make them. It also protects personal information submitted just to prove that interest, so it would not be made public. Its aim is to reduce delays and let planning decisions move ahead more quickly for the people and communities who stand to benefit.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to prevent certain objections to grants of planning permission by requiring, subject to exceptions, that an objector must have a material interest in the development to which the objection relates; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 25 March 2026