26(1)Where a planning authority considers that a request for approval under Part 2 or 3 relates to matters which may affect—
(a)nature conservation,
(b)the conservation of the natural beauty or amenity of the countryside, or
(c)a site or archaeological or historic interest,
it shall within 5 days of receiving the request, invite the appropriate body or bodies to make representations.
(2)Where under sub-paragraph (1) a planning authority has invited a body to make representations about a request for approval under Part 2 or 3, it shall not make any decision about the request until—
(a)it has received representations from the body about the request,
(b)it has been informed by the body that it does not wish to make any representations, or
(c)21 days have elapsed since the date of the invitation.
(3)An invitation under sub-paragraph (1) shall specify the time limit for making representations.
(4)For the purposes of this paragraph, the following are the appropriate bodies in relation to the following matters—
| Matter | Body |
|---|---|
| Nature conservation. | Natural England. |
| Conservation of the natural beauty or amenity of the countryside. | Natural England. |
| Sites of archaeological or historic interest. | The Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England. |