National planning reforms
Councils are implementing national planning reforms to streamline local plan production and alter planning decision delegation.
Lewisham Council's Governance Committee approved constitutional changes in September 2026, discussing significant reforms to planning decision-making. These national planning reforms, brought into force in March 2026, are anticipated to introduce a two-tier system for planning applications, delegating minor applications to officers by default. Hackney Council's Cabinet approved its new Local Plan timetable in June 2026, aiming to streamline local plan production within 30 months.
The reforms will alter committee structures and change how planning decisions are delegated, with proposals aiming for implementation around September 2026. A report in April 2026 said minor applications, defined as those with nine units or less or under 1,000 square metres, and householder developments would generally be delegated to officers.
Key facts
- National planning reforms are anticipated to be implemented around September 2026. Source
- Hackney Council's Cabinet approved its new Local Plan timetable on June 29, 2026. Source
- National planning reforms were brought into force in March 2026. Source
- The reforms propose a two-tier system where minor applications are delegated to officers by default. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.