England's planning system rules narrow councillors' referral powers

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 14 Oct, 06:05 · Archive

New planning rules taking effect on 31 October will restrict councillors' ability to refer applications to committee.

Sweeping changes to England's planning system will take effect on 31 October 2026 under new Government reforms. The updates are among the most significant in decades and aim to streamline decision-making, increase consistency, and support the delivery of new homes and infrastructure.

Under the new system, a national scheme of delegation will clarify which applications are handled by planning officers and which may go before a planning committee. Most applications, including detailed stages of large developments, will be decided by officers. Planning committees will only consider a small number of major or strategically important proposals.

One of the most significant changes is that councillors will no longer be able to refer applications to committee solely because there is local concern or opposition. Existing local call-in arrangements can no longer operate where they conflict with the national scheme. However, the council is introducing a process allowing councillors to formally flag matters of local significance for officers' consideration. Councillor Bill Brisbane, cabinet member for planning at Chichester District Council, said the reforms represent a major change to the planning process and will raise concerns for residents, parish councils and councillors.

How it is being reported

• New planning rules narrow councillors' powers to refer applicationsSweeping changes to England’s planning system will take effect from October 31, 2026, under new Government reforms.The Argus · 14 Oct, 05:00
• Public notices and planning applications for Lewes and Wealden, October 14, 2026The following planning applications have been submitted to Lewes District Council, South Downs National Park Authority and Wealden District Council.Chichester Observer · 12 Oct, 19:19
• Planning round-up: The latest applications submitted to Eastbourne Borough CouncilThese are the planning applications submitted to Eastbourne Borough Council during the week beginning Monday, October 5.Chichester Observer · 12 Oct, 09:10
• Mid Sussex planning applications: Here’s the latest list of submissions across the districtThe following planning applications have been submitted to Mid Sussex District Council, Lewes District Council and the South Downs National Park Authority between September 28 and October 2.Chichester Observer · 12 Oct, 07:52

In this story: Chichester District Council · England · Bill Brisbane

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