How to Effectively Force a Council to Repeat the Public Consultation on a Local Development Plan (LDP)

To effectively force a council to repeat the public consultation on a Local Development Plan (LDP) before and after the draft is published, you would need to engage with the process actively and understand the statutory requirements. Here are the key steps and considerations:

Steps to Request Repetition of Public Consultation


The public consultation process for local development plans is regulated by laws and guidelines, such as the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and the Localism Act 2011. These regulations outline the stages and requirements for public consultations.

  • Lack of Adequate Consultation: If the initial consultation did not reach a significant portion of the affected community or was not sufficiently publicised, this can be grounds for a repeated consultation.
  • New Significant Information: If new information or changes arise after the initial consultation, which could significantly affect the plan, a further consultation might be warranted.
  • Legal Non-Compliance: If the consultation process did not comply with legal requirements or procedural rules, you can argue for its repetition.
  • Provide Feedback: Submit detailed feedback during consultation periods, highlighting any deficiencies in the process or new information that justifies another round of consultation.
  • Organise Community Support: Mobilize local residents and community groups to submit similar feedback, emphasising the need for adequate and comprehensive consultation.
  • Write to the Council: Formally request the council to repeat the consultation, providing clear reasons and supporting evidence.

  • Petition the Council: Organise a petition among local residents to show widespread support for repeating the consultation.

  • Legal Challenge: If necessary, consider a legal challenge through judicial review, arguing that the consultation process was flawed or inadequate.

Material Considerations


Public Involvement: Ensuring that all stakeholders, especially those directly affected, have a fair opportunity to participate in the consultation.

Transparency and Adequacy: The consultation must be transparent, adequately publicized, and provide sufficient information for informed feedback.

Compliance with National Policies: The consultation must align with national planning policies and guidelines, ensuring a fair and inclusive process.