Councillor Tom Creswell, Cabinet Member for Planning and Development
Greenwich Council is currently addressing new government planning regulations set to alter local oversight of planning decisions.
In September 2026, Greenwich Council rejected a motion aimed at protecting democratic oversight in planning decisions. This motion, proposed by Councillor Charlie Davis, sought to challenge the government's National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions. The new scheme, due to come into effect on October 31, 2026, will reduce the ability of elected councillors and residents to scrutinise planning applications.
Under the upcoming National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions, ward councillors will no longer be able to call applications into committee. Councils will also lose the ability to automatically refer applications based on a certain number of objections, as reported in September 2026. No further meetings on this topic are currently scheduled.
Key facts
- Greenwich Council rejected a motion to protect democratic oversight in planning decisions in September 2026. Source
- The National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions is due to come into effect on October 31, 2026. Source
- Under the new scheme, ward councillors will no longer be able to call applications into committee. Source
- Councils will no longer automatically refer applications based on a certain number of objections. 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.