Devolution
Hounslow Council is adapting its planning powers in response to new national legislation affecting local authorities.
Hounslow Council approved changes to its Planning Committee's terms of reference in October 2026, a move necessitated by new national legislation. These amendments, stemming from the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and the Town and Country Planning Regulations 2026, introduce a national scheme for delegating planning applications and set a maximum of 13 members for planning committees.
Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council, explained that these revisions are a legal obligation for all local planning authorities across England. The council's Borough Council meeting on 21 October 2026 also considered appointments to various council bodies following these changes, which redefine aspects of local planning authority powers.
Key facts
- Hounslow Council approved changes to its Planning Committee's terms of reference in October 2026. Source
- The changes were necessitated by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and Town and Country Planning Regulations 2026. Source
- New legislation introduces a national scheme for delegation and referral of planning applications. Source
- New legislation imposes a maximum limit of 13 members for planning committees. Source
- Councillor Shantanu Rajawat stated the revisions are a legal obligation for all English local planning authorities. 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 23 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.