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Planning Permission

Asked by Jack RankinConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 20 October 2025UIN 80998

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the tilted balance in decision making is formally recognised as part of national planning policy; and what guidance his Department has issued to ensure consistent application by planning authorities.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

Users of the National Planning Policy Framework sometimes describe the effect of paragraph 11d of the Framework as a ‘tilted balance’. However, the term itself does not form part of national planning policy.

The Framework is a material consideration in decision-making. The government’s suite of planning practice guidance contains guidance for decision makers regarding the application of the policies in the Framework.

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