Planning minister
There is no official title of ‘Planning Minister’ or ‘Minister for Planning’ in the UK.
The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (sometimes referred to as the Levelling Up Secretary) has overall responsibility for planning. This position has previously been known as the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and the Minister of State for Communities and Local Government.
The Secretary of State has the power to determine called in planning applications and recovered planning appeals.
The Minister of State for Housing (sometimes referred to as the Minister for Housing and Planning) has responsibilities that include planning. This position has previously been known as the Minister for Housing, Planning and Regeneration, the Minister of State for Housing and Planning, the Minister of State for Housing and Local Government and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Communities and Local Government.
These ministers change very frequently, much to the annoyance of the construction industry.
To find out who holds these positions currently, see: Housing minister.
See also: Construction minister.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.