The Executive Councillor for Planning and Enforcement, Martin Alder, noted the council's response to a government consultation on planning decisions. This decision was made following a review of the consultation's implications for Wokingham Borough Council.

Consulting the Secretary of State on Planning Decisions

Executive Councillor Martin Alder noted Wokingham Borough Council's response to the government consultation, 'Consulting the Secretary of State on Planning Decisions'. This consultation sought views on circumstances where local planning authorities (LPAs) should consult the Secretary of State on certain types of planning applications. The consultation ran from 23 March 2026 to 4 May 2026.

The report highlighted that the most relevant aspects for Wokingham Borough Council concerned planning applications for residential development within the Detailed Emergency Planning Zones (DEPZs) for AWE Aldermaston and AWE Burghfield. These zones are areas covered by an Off-Site Emergency Plan (OSEP), which outlines protective actions in the event of a radiation emergency. The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the LPA's Emergency Planning Team must be confident that an OSEP is adequate to protect the public. The consultation proposed that if an LPA is minded to grant permission for residential development within a Defence DEPZ, and the ONR or the LPA's Emergency Planning Team maintains an objection, the application should be referred to the Secretary of State.

Wokingham Borough Council's response supported the principle of national oversight for such applications, particularly where there is an outstanding safety-related objection. The council noted that it would be highly unlikely to recommend approval contrary to ONR and/or Emergency Planning advice. However, the council requested further clarification on the practical operation of this proposed direction, including its impact on determination timescales and its application in appeal cases. They also sought a clear definition of what constitutes an objection and when it is considered withdrawn, and emphasised that any consultation period should be time-limited.

Regarding commercial developments, the consultation proposed a requirement for LPAs to consult the Secretary of State on large (over 15,000m²) commercial developments where the LPA is minded to refuse. Wokingham Borough Council supported measures that provide clarity and consistency but cautioned that any new requirement should be proportionate and not delay local decision-making. They suggested that a higher or more targeted threshold than 15,000m² might be more appropriate, as some proposals above this size may raise relatively few issues.

The council's response also addressed the threshold for referral for residential development within a Defence DEPZ. While the consultation proposed one dwelling as the referral threshold, Wokingham Borough Council agreed with this, stating that Any new residential development within the DEPZ has the ability to impact the implement an adequate Off Site Emergency Plan (OSEP). ¹

The decision was made by Executive Councillor for Planning and Enforcement, Martin Alder, and actioned by Interim Director, Place and Growth, Andy Vaughan. The decision was published on 15 May 2026 and became effective on 23 May 2026, with a call-in period expiring on 22 May 2026.