This section applies where—
Before the development is begun, the person proposing to carry it out must give a notice (a "commencement notice") to the local planning authority specifying the date on which the person expects the development to be begun.
Once a person has given a commencement notice, the person—
A commencement notice must—
Where it appears to the local planning authority that a person has failed to comply with the requirements of subsection (2) or (3)(b), they may serve a notice on any relevant person requiring the relevant person to give the authority such of the information prescribed under subsection (4)(a) as the notice may specify.
In subsection (5) "relevant person" means—
A person on whom a notice under subsection (5) is served is guilty of an offence if they fail to give the information required by the notice within the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which it was served.
It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (7) to prove that they had a reasonable excuse for failing to provide the information required.
A person guilty of an offence under subsection (7) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.
When granting planning permission under section 70 or 73 for the development of any land in England, a local planning authority must by notice inform the applicant of—