Haringey Council is set to update its planning protocol to ensure greater transparency and resident involvement in planning application determinations. According to the Public Reports Pack for the meeting on 13 November 2025, the proposed changes aim to ensure good practice, transparent processes, and enhanced resident involvement in planning application determinations.
The proposed changes were scheduled for discussion at the Standards Committee meeting on 13 November 2025, following initial consideration by the Constitution Working Group. The Planning Protocol, which is Part Five Section E of the council's constitution, was last updated in 2017.
The report pack stated that the alternative to updating the Planning Protocol is not considered appropriate as it will not ensure the Planning Protocol in the Constitution is up to date and fit for purpose.
Key changes to the Planning Protocol include:
- Clarifying the running order for determining planning applications at relevant Committee meetings
- Clarifying officers' ability to refer applications to Planning Sub Committee
- Clarifying that planning decisions cannot be made on a party-political basis
- Introducing a new 'Strategic Planning Briefing' as part of Member engagement at early stages of pre-application advice to improve the quality of applications, as encouraged by government and best practice guidance, with associated transparency measures
- Renaming 'Development Management Forum' to 'Planning Forum'
- Clarifying the process for petitions, aiming to make it easier for residents to engage with the Planning Sub Committee processes
- Clarifying a step-by-step process for motions, including those contrary to officer recommendation
- Clarifying the approach for deferrals
The updated Planning Protocol is expected to be presented to Full Council on 24 November 2025 for final approval.
