London Borough of Bexley Council
Bexley Council recently approved new planning procedures, transferring decision-making for smaller applications to officers, a move that has drawn criticism.
Bexley Council approved new planning procedures in November 2026, which will see officers determine smaller applications, including householder extensions and developments of up to nine homes. This change, mandated by a new national scheme of delegations effective from October 2026, was described by some councillors as "undemocratic".
In October 2026, the Planning Committee considered several applications, approving one and withdrawing three others. Earlier, in September 2026, the committee granted permission for six residential developments. The Members' Code of Conduct Committee also received updates on complaints in September 2026.
Key facts
- Bexley Council approved new planning procedures at a full Council meeting on 4 November 2026. Source
- Under the new rules, officers will determine householder extensions and developments of up to nine homes. Source
- A new national scheme of delegations, mandating these changes, came into force on 31 October 2026. 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.