Chapter 8The Planning System
R26On Track

Create Interim Development Consent Order (DCO) Recommendation Reports

Interim DCO Recommendation Reports

Full Recommendation Text

Government should legislate a requirement that each examining authority publishes an "Interim Recommendation Report" prior to the first deadline in an examination. This should set out the main areas to be examined, and representations may be disregarded save to the extent that the Examining Authority considers them important or relevant. This should mirror a final recommendation report as closely as possible, and replace the current list of "Initial Assessment of Principal Issues" which lacks detail.

Update Timeline
On Track

Government Response: Interim reports via strengthened IAPI

The Government is delivering this recommendation through a strengthened IAPI process. Under the Planning and Infrastructure Act, Examining Authorities will be required to make procedural decisions in light of the principal issues assessment. The IAPI will function as a near-equivalent to the Taskforce's proposed Interim Recommendation Report, providing early clarity on the Examining Authority's key areas of focus. While delivered through a different mechanism than the Taskforce proposed, the functional outcome is substantively similar.

Policy Paper • DESNZ, March 2026
IAPI reforms deliver functional equivalent of interim recommendation reports.
Ownership

Primary Owner

MHCLG

Key Regulators

Planning Inspectorate
Delivery Timeline
31 Dec 27

Taskforce target: December 2027

Scope

Sectors

civil

Domains

planning
Implementation Type
primary legislation

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