democratic oversight
Councils are discussing changes to planning decision-making, with new national legislation shifting some powers from elected councillors to officers.
Bexley Council approved new planning procedures in November 2026, meaning officers will now determine smaller applications, including householder extensions and developments of up to nine homes. This change is due to new national legislation that came into force in October 2026, which strips elected councillors of some planning powers.
Merton Council's Governance Standards and Audit Committee discussed significant amendments to the council's Constitution in October 2026, primarily driven by the new national legislation impacting planning decisions. This legislation is affecting councils across England, leading to discussions about the role of elected representatives in decision-making.
Democratic oversight is the principle ensuring that decisions made by public bodies are subject to scrutiny and accountability by elected representatives and the public. The current changes relate to how this oversight is applied in planning matters.
Key facts
- Bexley Council approved new planning procedures on 4 November 2026, allowing officers to determine smaller applications. Source
- A new national scheme of delegations came into force on 31 October 2026. Source
- Under the new rules, householder extensions and developments of up to nine homes will be determined by officers. Source
- The new national legislation strips elected councillors of planning powers. 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 11 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.