A spokesperson for the Department for Communities and Local Government said:
“The Department did not instruct the Planning Inspectorate to issue guidance about the draft National Planning Policy Framework.
“Ministers have already asked Sir Michael Pitt, the Chief Executive, to come to see them tomorrow to make clear that in their work his inspectors should respect the fact that this is a document out for consultation.”
Sir Michael Pitt said:
“The Planning Inspectorate did not produce this guidance under instruction from the department. It did so as a matter of normal procedure simply stating what always applies when draft policy is issued for consultation and to ensure common understanding for Inspectors.”