Issue

planning permission

5 stories · discussed at 7 council meetings · 10 councils

Councils are currently focusing on regulating specific developments, with Merton confirming planning permission for small HMOs and Hillingdon approving new homes.

Merton Council confirmed an Article 4 Direction in September 2026, making permanent the requirement for planning permission for small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across 13 wards. This decision aims to regulate the conversion of properties into HMOs. Separately, Hillingdon Council's Planning Committee approved plans in July 2026 for 14 new homes in Hayes, involving the partial demolition and upward extension of an existing building.

The interaction between planning and licensing continues to be a focus, with Newham Council adjourning a restaurant's licence bid in March 2026 due to an existing planning enforcement notice. Kensington and Chelsea's Licensing Sub-Committee also heard resident concerns in July 2026 regarding noise and traffic for a delivery-only kitchen's licence application. Meanwhile, Wandsworth Council granted planning permission in March 2026 for a Thurleigh Road extension, overriding heritage committee objections.

Planning permission is the formal consent required from a local authority for most types of development or changes of use of land or buildings. Councils consider applications for new constructions, extensions, and changes to property use, often involving committees and public consultation.

Key facts

  1. Hillingdon Council's Planning Committee approved plans for 14 new homes in Hayes in July 2026. Source
  2. Kensington and Chelsea's Licensing Sub-Committee heard concerns about a delivery-only kitchen's licence application in July 2026. Source
  3. Newham Council adjourned a restaurant's licence bid in March 2026 due to an existing planning enforcement notice. Source
  4. Wandsworth Council granted planning permission for an extension in March 2026, overriding heritage committee objections. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Hillingdon approves 14 new homes in Hayes development Hillingdon Council's Planning Committee has approved plans for a new development in Hayes that will provide 14 new homes. Hillingdon 18 July 2026
  2. Delivery-only kitchen faces noise and traffic concerns A delivery-only kitchen operating from a basement at 27 Kensington High Street has raised concerns among local residents regarding noise and traffic. The application for a... Kensington and Chelsea 11 July 2026
  3. Balham McDonald's granted 24-hour licence despite noise and anti-social behaviour fears A McDonald's restaurant in Balham has been granted a 24-hour licence to serve late-night refreshments, following a decision by the Wandsworth Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday,... Wandsworth 26 March 2026
  4. New Stratford restaurant licence adjourned over planning breach A new restaurant's bid for a licence has been adjourned after it emerged the premises is subject to an existing planning enforcement notice, meaning any operation as a drinking... Newham 20 March 2026
  5. Wandsworth Council Overrides Heritage Committee on Thurleigh Road Extension Wandsworth Council has controversially granted planning permission for an extension on Thurleigh Road, overriding the objections of its own Conservation and Heritage Advisory... Wandsworth 12 March 2026