Local Meeting requirement
Lewisham Council is considering proposals to remove its unique non-statutory local planning meeting requirement to improve officer capacity and streamline the planning process.
Lewisham Council is discussing proposals to remove its non-statutory Local Meeting requirement from its planning process. This proposal, discussed by the Sustainable Development Select Committee in November 2026, aims to increase staff time capacity and streamline planning applications. A Lewisham councillor has raised concerns that residents could find it harder to participate in planning decisions if the meetings are scrapped.
The Local Meeting requirement is unique to Lewisham and is currently part of the council’s Statement of Community Involvement. Removing this non-statutory requirement could save the council £35,000 annually. No further meetings are currently scheduled to discuss this proposal.
Key facts
- Lewisham Council is considering proposals to remove its non-statutory Local Meeting requirement from its planning process. Source
- The proposal was discussed at the Sustainable Development Select Committee meeting on 5 November 2026. Source
- Removing the Local Meeting requirement could save Lewisham Council £35,000 a year. Source
- A Lewisham councillor warned residents might struggle to make their voices heard if local planning meetings are scrapped. Source
- The Local Meeting requirement is unique to Lewisham and is contained within the council’s Statement of Community Involvement. 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 12 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.