Commentary on Sections Part 3: Planning Control. Section 29: Call in of applications, etc., to Department
This allows the Department to direct that certain applications (including those where either the Secretary of State or the Department of Justice has certified that an application raises issues relating to national security or the security of premises) be referred to it instead of being dealt with by a council. The process for determination is then the same as for the regionally significant developments mentioned in section 26, with the option for a public inquiry.  An inquiry must be held if an application raises national security or security of premises issues.  The decision of the Department is final for these applications.