new planning procedures
Bexley Council has adopted new planning procedures, transferring decisions on smaller applications to officers, as mandated by a national scheme.
Bexley Council adopted new planning procedures in November 2026, which transfer the decision-making power for smaller applications to council officers. This includes householder extensions and developments of up to nine homes. The changes were approved at a full Council meeting on 4 November 2026 and were mandated by a new national scheme of delegations that came into force in October 2026.
Under these new rules, elected councillors will no longer determine these specific types of planning applications. One councillor described the move as “entirely undemocratic and entirely unnecessary”, while another called the changes “anti-democratic”. This legislation, which strips elected councillors of planning powers, is being implemented across all of England.
Key facts
- Bexley Council adopted new planning procedures in November 2026. Source
- Council officers will determine householder extensions and developments of up to nine homes under the new rules. Source
- The new procedures were approved at a full Council meeting on 4 November 2026. Source
- A national scheme of delegations, in force from 31 October 2026, mandated the new procedures. Source
- The legislation removes planning powers from elected councillors for these applications across England. 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 6 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.