Councillor Jeremy Fraser, Chair of Planning
Greenwich Council is addressing how new government regulations will impact democratic oversight of planning decisions.
Greenwich Council rejected a motion in September 2026 that sought to protect democratic oversight in planning decisions. The motion, proposed by Councillor Charlie Davis, argued that new government regulations, the National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions, would reduce the ability of elected councillors and residents to scrutinise planning applications. These regulations are due to come into effect on October 31, 2026.
Under the new scheme, ward councillors will no longer be able to call applications into committee, nor will councils be able to automatically refer applications based on a certain number of objections. No further discussions or decisions on this topic are currently scheduled at Greenwich Council.
Key facts
- Greenwich Council rejected a motion to protect planning oversight on September 25, 2026. Source
- New government planning regulations are due to come into effect on October 31, 2026. Source
- The rejected motion argued new regulations would reduce scrutiny of planning applications. Source
- Ward councillors will no longer be able to call applications into committee under the new scheme. Source
- Councils will not 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.