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Written question asked by Matt Vickers (Conservative) on Monday, 22 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. It was answered by Matthew Pennycook (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Licensing Laws and Planning Permission

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he has had discussions with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council regarding the potential impact of planning restrictions on pubs and hospitality venues in Stockton-on-Tees during periods of temporary licensing relaxations for major sporting events.

Answer

Due to the quasi-judicial role of MHCLG Ministers in the planning system, I am unable to comment on the details of specific planning applications or proposals.

It is for individual local planning authorities to take enforcement action depending on the particular circumstances of each case.

Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026, we consulted on a new National Planning Policy Framework. That consultation, which can be found on gov.uk here, included proposals relating to the relationship between planning and other regulatory regimes, including licencing.

The draft Framework sets out that planning decisions should not seek to duplicate or extend controls imposed by separate regulatory regimes, but matters which are controlled by separate regulatory regimes may, in the context of a particular development proposal, be a material consideration where they have land-use implications. It also encourages the parallel processing of planning and other regulatory consents where this can help to align and expedite the consenting of development.

We are currently analysing the feedback received to the consultation and will publish our response in due course.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
11788
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Planning permission Licensing laws Sports Stockton on Tees Hospitality industry
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk