national delegation rules
Councils are discussing new national rules, due in November 2026, that will transfer decision-making for many planning applications from committees to council officers.
New national rules, which will delegate decision-making authority for many planning applications from committees to council officers, are due to be implemented in November 2026. This shift, driven by upcoming government legislation, has prompted concern among local councillors and heritage experts about its potential impact on conservation areas. The Wandsworth Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee discussed the implications of these changes in September 2026.
Under the new rules, many planning applications previously decided by committees will instead be determined by council officers. The Wandsworth Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee noted in September 2026 that all applications they had reviewed would, from November 2026, be decided by officers rather than committees.
Key facts
- New national planning rules are due to be implemented from November 2026. Source
- These rules will reduce the powers of planning committees. Source
- Many planning applications will be determined by council officers instead of committees. Source
- The Wandsworth Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee discussed the implications in September 2026. Source
- Local councillors and heritage experts have expressed concern about the changes. 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.