Commentary on Sections Part 4: Development Control Section 54: Duty to respond to consultation
86.Section 54 introduces a requirement that those persons or bodies which are required to be consulted by the Secretary of State, the National Assembly for Wales or a local planning authority (as the case may be) before the grant of any permission, approval or consent under the planning Acts must respond to consultation requests within a prescribed period. It also applies to consultation by any other person prior to an application for any permission, approval or consent. Secondary legislation will specify to which consultation requirements the duty to respond will apply and the prescribed period.
87.The section also gives the Secretary of State power to require reports on the performance of consultees in meeting their response deadlines.