To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether submissions from developers to planning appeals may be (a) received and (b) taken account of after the closing date for such submissions; and if he will make a statement. (319251)

The Secretary of State is able to use his discretion in determining whether to consider representations received after the close of an inquiry.

The late submission of appeal material can cause delays and late representations and evidence are therefore only accepted in exceptional circumstances.