role of planning committees
Wandsworth Council is discussing new government rules that will reduce planning committees' powers, shifting application decisions to officers from November 2026.
New government legislation will reduce the powers of planning committees from November 2026, meaning many planning applications previously decided by committees will instead be determined by council officers. The Wandsworth Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee discussed the implications of these changes in September 2026, noting concerns among local councillors and heritage experts about the potential impact on conservation areas.
The changes affect the function and responsibilities of committees tasked with reviewing and approving planning applications. A report to the Wandsworth Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee stated that all applications currently reviewed by committees will henceforth be determined by officers from November 2026.
Key facts
- New planning rules will reduce planning committee powers from November 2026. Source
- Many planning applications will be determined by council officers instead of committees. Source
- Wandsworth Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee discussed implications on September 10, 2026. Source
- The changes are driven by upcoming government legislation. 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.