diktat from the government
Councils are discussing new government planning rules set to reduce planning committee powers from November 2026.
New government planning rules, described as a forceful directive, are due to be implemented from November 2026, significantly reducing the powers of planning committees. 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.
Local councillors and heritage experts have expressed concern about the potential impact of these upcoming government legislation changes, particularly on conservation areas. The Wandsworth committee noted that all applications they had reviewed would be determined by officers from November, rather than by the committee.
Key facts
- New planning rules are due to be implemented from November 2026. Source
- Wandsworth Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee discussed rule implications in September 2026. Source
- Rules will reduce planning committee powers, shifting decisions to council officers. Source
- Local councillors and heritage experts are concerned about 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.