To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether Members can ask the Cross Government Planning Forum to investigate planning applications delayed by lack of response by statutory consultees.

The purpose of the Planning Forum is to work closely with statutory consultees to implement recommendations from a report into the role of statutory consultees in the planning process. It is intended that this work will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning process, particularly with regard to major and economically sensitive planning applications.

It would not be appropriate for the Planning Forum to investigate individual planning applications, which are a matter for the relevant planning authority.