Commentary Part 6: Planning Chapter 6: Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects Section 137: Acceptance of applications for development consent
355.Section 137 removes the requirement, when the Secretary of State is deciding whether to accept an application, for absolute compliance with certain standards and guidance in order for the application to be accepted. This is replaced with a requirement that the Secretary of State must be satisfied that the application has been prepared to a satisfactory standard, and in coming to this decision must have regard to these standards and guidance.