upcoming government legislation
Councils are discussing new government legislation set to reduce planning committee powers from November 2026.
New government legislation, which will reduce the powers of planning committees by shifting many application decisions to council officers, is due to be implemented from November 2026. This change has sparked concern among local councillors and heritage experts, with Wandsworth Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee discussing its implications in September 2026.
A statement at the Wandsworth Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee meeting in September 2026 indicated that applications previously decided by committees will be determined by officers from November 2026. Heritage experts have raised concerns about the potential impact on conservation areas due to these changes in planning processes.
The upcoming government legislation introduces new planning rules that will impact planning processes across councils. These changes are set to take effect from November 2026, altering how many planning applications are decided.
Key facts
- New planning rules are due to be implemented from November 2026. Source
- The rules will reduce the powers of planning committees. Source
- Many planning applications will be determined by council officers. Source
- Wandsworth Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee discussed the changes on September 10, 2026. Source
- Heritage experts have raised concerns about the impact on conservation areas. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.