If you are preparing a planning application, an important change is approaching. England’s new National Scheme of Delegation comes into force on 31 October 2026, changing which applications are decided by planning officers and which can go before a committee of elected councillors.
For applicants, the practical question is simple: how should you prepare your proposal when the route to a decision is changing?
What is changing?
The scheme introduces two categories. Schedule 1 applications must normally be decided by officers. These include householder applications, minor commercial development and qualifying residential schemes of one to nine homes on sites smaller than 0.5 hectares.
Schedule 2 applications are also delegated by default, but can be referred to committee through a formal referral process. Exceptions and special provisions apply, including for certain linked listed-building applications, retrospective applications and applications involving the council’s own interests.
The scheme applies to most English local planning authorities, with exclusions including National Park Authorities and the Broads Authority. Applicants should therefore check both their application category and the authority responsible for deciding it. Government guidance.
Will councillors still decide planning applications?
Yes, but committee referral will be more restricted.
For a Schedule 2 application, the normal referral criteria concern significant local economic, social or environmental issues, or a significant planning matter. Both the nominated officer and nominated councillor must agree to referral.
Existing local arrangements that conflict with the national framework, including automatic referral triggers or discretionary councillor call-ins, will be replaced. Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that a ward councillor can secure a committee hearing. Council explanation of the national framework.
This matters where an applicant hopes to persuade councillors to take a different view from the planning officer. The practical advice is to make the strongest possible case during the assessment itself, rather than reserving key arguments for a potential committee presentation.
Does delegation make permission more likely?
Delegation does not itself make a proposal acceptable.
Planning applications must still be assessed against the development plan and other relevant planning considerations. Issues such as design, neighbouring amenity, highways and environmental effects remain central where they are relevant to the proposal. Public support or opposition is not, by itself, a reason to approve or refuse an application; the planning grounds behind those views matter. Government guidance on determining applications.
For applicants, this means the quality of the submission remains crucial. A clear explanation of why the development is acceptable, supported by proportionate evidence, is more useful than relying on the prospect of a favourable committee debate.
Could decisions become quicker?
A potential benefit is avoiding the wait for a committee meeting where an officer can issue the decision. A more consistent decision route may also help applicants plan their projects.
However, applicants should treat faster decisions as a potential benefit, rather than a guaranteed outcome. Missing information, unresolved technical concerns and negotiations can still affect progress. Build realistic allowances into your programme and discuss outstanding issues with the case officer early.
How should applicants prepare?
A sensible approach is to:
- Confirm the decision route early. Ask which category applies and whether any exceptions are relevant.
- Make your planning case clear from the outset. Explain how the proposal responds to the relevant policies and site constraints.
- Address concerns promptly. Provide focused evidence or amendments while the application is being assessed.
- Keep the written record complete. Make sure important explanations and agreed changes are formally submitted.
- Check applications spanning the changeover. If a decision is expected around 31 October, confirm the arrangements with the council rather than relying on the submission date.
How WPS Planning can help
Understanding how your application will be decided is an important part of planning your project. WPS Planning can help you navigate the new scheme, understand the likely decision route and prepare a clear, well-supported planning case.
From reviewing a proposal before submission to managing an application through the assessment process, we can help identify relevant planning policies, address potential concerns and liaise with the council on your behalf. Where committee referral may be appropriate, we can advise on the applicable criteria and help explain why your proposal warrants consideration.
With greater emphasis on officer decisions, early preparation and constructive engagement will be especially valuable. Our approach is to address the issues that matter while there is still an opportunity to influence the outcome.
Planning a project or concerned about an ongoing application? Contact WPS Planning to discuss what the changes could mean for you and how we can support your next steps.