A big solar farm, reservoir or road scheme is coming near you, and the council says it isn't their decision. You still have a voice. This guide shows you how to have your say on a national infrastructure project, stage by stage, so you don't miss the window that counts.
Most of the steps below describe England, where these schemes are called nationally significant infrastructure projects. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are covered at the end.
The one step most people miss
In England, you can only take part in the examination if you register as an interested party during the registration window. Miss it and you cannot send evidence or speak at the hearings.
The window opens after the application is accepted and lasts at least 28 days. Press Get updates on the project's page on Planning Signal and we will email you the moment it changes stage.
Stage 1: before the application
This is the best time to shape a scheme, because the design is still moving. Go to the developer's events, fill in their feedback forms and ask for changes.
Government guidance encourages developers to engage local people before they apply. Since the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 a formal consultation is no longer a legal requirement, so how they consult is up to them. Keep an eye on their website.
Tell your parish or town council what you think too. Councils carry weight later in the process.
Stage 2: acceptance (28 days)
The developer submits the application and the Planning Inspectorate has 28 days to decide whether it can go ahead to examination. There is no chance to comment at this stage.
Use the time to read the application documents when they are published, especially the plans, the environmental statement and the list of changes made after earlier engagement.
Stage 3: register to have your say
Once accepted, the developer publicises the application and the registration window opens. To register you submit a relevant representation: a short summary of what you support, oppose or are worried about, and why.
Keep it focused. Name the issues you want the examiners to look at, such as traffic, flooding, views, noise, farmland or the effect on wildlife. You can expand on each one later.
Everyone who registers becomes an interested party and is invited to the preliminary meeting, where the examination timetable is set.
Stage 4: the examination (up to 6 months)
The examination is run by an inspector or a panel of inspectors. As an interested party you can:
- send a written representation setting out your case in full, with evidence
- comment on what the developer and others submit, at each deadline in the timetable
- ask to speak at an open floor hearing, where anyone registered can address the examiners
- take part in issue-specific hearings, if the examiners invite you
Deadlines are strict. Late submissions can be refused, so put every deadline in your diary on the day the timetable is published.
What makes a strong submission
- Be specific: say which field, junction or view, and what will happen to it.
- Use evidence: photographs, traffic counts, flood history or records from your community.
- Link it to policy: examiners test schemes against the relevant national policy statement.
- Suggest a fix: a changed route, a screening belt or a condition you would accept.
Stage 5: recommendation and decision (about 6 months)
When the examination closes, the examiners have 3 months to send a recommendation to the Secretary of State, who then has 3 months to decide. The examination is closed, so no new comments are taken.
Stage 6: after the decision (6 weeks)
Anyone can challenge the decision in the High Court within 6 weeks, but only on legal grounds such as a flawed process. A challenge cannot reopen the planning judgement itself. Take legal advice before you start.
Wales
For a Development of National Significance, Planning and Environment Decisions Wales runs the process and the Welsh Ministers decide. Developers must consult the community before applying. Once the application is submitted, comment during the publicity period the notices give, and ask to be heard if there is a hearing or inquiry.
Scotland
For a section 36 power station consent, send your representation to the Energy Consents Unit within the period stated in the public notice. Tell your community council and the planning authority your views as well: if the planning authority objects, the Scottish Ministers must hold a public inquiry.
Northern Ireland
For a regionally significant development, the developer must consult the community before applying. After submission, send your comments to the Department for Infrastructure during the publicity period.
Find the projects near you
Search all national infrastructure projects by nation, type and stage. Each project page shows what is happening now, the next key date and exactly how to take part. For a council-level application near you, use our objection letter builder.
For background on how each nation decides its biggest schemes, read national infrastructure projects explained.
Frequently asked questions
How do I register as an interested party?
Submit a relevant representation to the Planning Inspectorate during the registration window, using its online form. The project page and the developer's notices give the deadline.
Can I support a national project, not just object?
Yes. The same steps work whether you support a scheme, object to it or have concerns about one part of it.
Do I need a lawyer or planning consultant?
No. Most people take part on their own or through a residents' group. A consultant helps if you want technical evidence, such as a traffic or landscape assessment.
What if I missed the registration window?
You cannot become an interested party afterwards, but you can still ask your parish council, the local council or a registered group to raise your points. The examiners can also choose to accept other submissions.