[NOTE: For other Directions, please view the following posts:
- This post for the 2021 Direction (withdrawn).
- This post for the 2024 Direction (still in force)
- This post for the 2026 Direction (still in force).]

The following new Direction came into force on 26/01/2024:

New Direction:

• January 2024: The Town and Country Planning (Consultation) (England) Direction 2024 (pdf) (link).

Notes:

• The webpage (link) for the above 2024 Direction includes the following information:
  - "This Direction replaces The Town and Country Planning (Consultation) (England) Direction 2021 [(link)].".
  - "This Direction is made under the [DMPO 2015]. On the 26 January 2024 a revised Town and Country Planning (Consultation) (England) Direction 2024 (Consultation Direction) was published in response to Section 136 of the Levelling up and Regeneration Act 2023 [(link)].".
  - "It requires local planning authorities in England to consult the Secretary of State before granting planning permission for certain types of development.".
• Note: The above 2024 Direction sets out that, where the LPA does not propose to refuse certain types of application for planning permission, the LPA must consult the Secretary of State. These types of application are specified by paragraph 3, which has been amended to add "development affecting ancient woodland". In addition, paragraphs 2 and 10 have been amended to add the following definitions (respectively):
  - ""ancient woodland" means an area in England which has been continuously wooded since at least the end of the year 1600 A.D;".
  - "For the purposes of this Direction, "development affecting ancient woodland" means development which would result in the loss or deterioration of ancient woodland, where the local planning authority considers that potential adverse impacts cannot be mitigated.".
• Note: In addition, paragraphs 2 and 7 have been amended to update the definitions of "playing field" and "playing field development" (respectively).
• Note: Paragraphs 10-14 of the previous 2021 Direction have been renumbered as paragraphs 11-15 (respectively) of the above 2024 Direction.
• IMPORTANT: The above 2024 Direction (which applies where the LPA does not propose to refuse certain types of application) is NOT replaced by the subsequent 2026 Direction (which applies where the LPA proposes to refuse certain types of application). This is shown by the "Consultation Directions currently in force" section of this "Collection" page (link).