Planning Inspectorate

The Planning Inspectorate is an executive agency sponsored by the UK’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. It handles planning appeals, examines local plans and assesses applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects in England. Its work covers developments such as electricity transmission networks, renewable energy facilities and transport infrastructure. For major infrastructure applications, an appointed Examining Authority considers evidence and representations before making a recommendation to the relevant Secretary of State, who makes the final decision. The agency examined National Grid’s Sea Link application before development consent was granted in October 2026.