local democratic oversight
Bexley Council has approved new procedures delegating decisions on smaller planning applications to officers, reducing elected councillors' direct oversight.
Bexley Council approved new planning procedures in November 2026, which will see officers determine smaller planning applications, including householder extensions and developments of up to nine homes. Councillors at the meeting described these changes as "undemocratic" and "anti-democratic", expressing concerns about the reduction of local democratic oversight.
These changes, which strip elected councillors of planning powers, were mandated by a new national scheme of delegations that came into force in October 2026. The legislation is being implemented across all of England, affecting how local planning decisions are made.
Key facts
- Bexley Council approved new planning procedures at a full Council meeting on 4 November 2026. Source
- Under the new rules, Bexley Council officers will determine householder extensions and developments of up to nine homes. Source
- The changes were mandated by a new national scheme of delegations that came into force on 31 October 2026. Source
- The new 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 10 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.