SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)·Page 35·5.72

Refusal of Planning Permission

Planning authorities should permit sustainable development unless it causes demonstrable harm to interests of acknowledged importance. Refusals must be clear, precise, and fully explained.

Planning authorities should be guided by the principle that sustainable development should be permitted, having regard to the local development plan and all other material considerations, unless the proposed development will cause demonstrable harm to interests of acknowledged importance. In such cases the planning authority has power to refuse planning permission. Grounds for refusal will be clear, precise and give a full explanation of why the proposal is unacceptable.

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