community infrastructure
Councils are currently discussing planning processes for community infrastructure, approving new educational facilities, and re-evaluating funding models.
Ealing Council adopted new rules for planning decisions on 13 October 2026, including amendments to its Constitution and a Planning Committee Gateway Protocol, to streamline processes and comply with national regulations. Separately, Harrow Council's Planning Committee granted permission on 6 October 2026 for John Lyon School to convert an office building into a teaching facility, increasing student capacity for up to 67 sixth-form students.
Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet decided in January 2026 to transform its Main Grants Programme, pivoting its focus to community infrastructure to empower local organisations. Councillor Sakina Sheikh presented this recalibrated programme, which aligns with the council's neighbourhood models and hyper-localised strategies.
Key facts
- Ealing Council adopted new planning decision rules on 13 October 2026. Source
- Harrow Council granted planning permission for John Lyon School's new teaching facility on 6 October 2026. Source
- The John Lyon School facility will accommodate up to 67 additional sixth-form students. Source
- Lewisham Council decided to pivot its Main Grants Programme to community infrastructure in January 2026. Source
- Councillor Sakina Sheikh presented Lewisham's recalibrated programme. 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 14 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.