Tower Hamlets Council Debates Planning Committee Reforms
Tower Hamlets Council convened on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, to discuss significant reforms to its planning committees and the national scheme of delegation, which are set to come into force on 31 October 2026.
The council meeting saw a debate on the proposed changes to the planning committee system, introduced following new government regulations. These reforms aim to streamline the planning process by focusing committees on applications of strategic importance, while delegating more routine decisions to planning officers. The national planning framework being referred to is the 'National Scheme of Delegation' (NSD) for planning functions, introduced by the government through the 'Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026'.
Councillor Saeed Ahmed, introducing the report on the reform of planning committees, highlighted the dynamic nature of development in Tower Hamlets, noting that the council had consented 8,000 planning applications in the previous year alone. He stressed the importance of striking a balance between officer delegation and member determination, ensuring transparency, accountability, and public confidence in planning decisions. The reforms aim to focus committee time on development that has the greatest impact, ensuring that members' time and democratic scrutiny are concentrated on applications that will have the greatest impact on residents and the future of the borough.
Strategic Importance and Gateway Tests
Under the new regulations, planning committees must focus on applications that raise issues of genuine economic, social, environmental or strategic planning significance. This marks a shift from previous arrangements where applications could be brought before a committee simply due to a high number of objections. The criteria for referral to committee are now based on Regulation 5(3) of the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026. These 'Gateway Tests' stipulate that applications may be referred if a nominated officer and nominated member agree that the proposal will raise and meet:
- one or more issues of economic, social or environmental significance to the local area; or
- one or more significant planning matters, having regard to the development plan and any other material considerations.
Current practices, such as trigger points for referral based on the number of objections or member call-in arrangements, will no longer be permitted.
Transparency and Public Confidence
Councillor Peter Golds expressed concerns about the potential impact on residents' ability to engage with the planning process, particularly regarding the delegation of decisions to officers and the perceived anonymity of decision-makers. He questioned the extent of devolution when planning powers were being stripped away from committees.
While the meeting information does not explicitly detail mechanisms for ensuring transparency and public confidence for delegated decisions, the Council will review its Statement of Community Involvement to implement any follow-up actions or amendments. The report on the reform of planning committees states that 'a planning system that is efficient, legally robust and transparent is essential if we are to deliver on those ambitions while maintaining public confidence.'
The decision on whether a Schedule 2 application is referred to committee or delegated to officers is made by a nominated officer and nominated member who must agree if the scheme meets the Gateway Test of significance. The Statutory Guidance advises that 'Nominated officers and nominated members should make every effort to reach agreement on which cases should be referred to committee. However, where agreement is not possible, the case must be determined by officers.' The Local Guidance on Planning Scheme of Delegation and Significance will also guide officers and members in applying the Gateway Tests and will aid individual planning officers in identifying issues of significance that warrant further assessment. The process of developing and approving this Local Guidance involves consultation with committee chairs, Cabinet, the Director of Legal Services, and the Monitoring Officer, with final approval by the General Purposes Committee, suggesting a level of oversight. Furthermore, the decision on whether a Schedule 2 application is referred to committee or delegated to officers will be published on the Council's website within 3 working days of the meeting where the decision is made.
Affordable Housing Concerns
Councillor Sabin Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Healthy, Caring and Inclusive Communities, raised concerns about the potential reduction in affordable housing targets. She stated, 'The accelerated route describing this motion allows development to only 20% affordable housing while our local plan is which proposes 40% affordable housing.' This indicates a concern about a potential reduction in affordable housing targets under certain accelerated development routes, and a desire to maintain or increase them, as the local plan proposes 40%. Councillor Akhtar emphasized that the housing crisis is also a public health crisis, with significant consequences for families living in overcrowded or unsuitable conditions.
Implementation and Framework
Councillor Gulam Kibriya Choudhury, seconding the recommendations, briefly explained the changes being introduced, noting that they are part of a new national planning framework that local authorities must implement from 31 October 2026. He stated that the central aim of the reform is to ensure greater consistency across the country by focusing planning committees on applications of genuine strategic significance.
The council ultimately agreed to the recommendations set out in the report, which included changes to the constitution and agreed delegations to allow for the conclusion of work to adjust for the new requirements. The expected timeline for implementation beyond the 31 October 2026 deadline and when residents will see practical effects is not specified in the meeting information.
Read the full public reports pack here: Public reports pack 07th-Oct-2026 19.00 Council.pdf
View agenda amendments here: Agenda Supplement - Motion amendments 07th-Oct-2026 19.00 Council.pdf
See the agenda frontsheet here: Agenda frontsheet 07th-Oct-2026 19.00 Council.pdf