Planning Powers
Bexley Council has adopted new procedures for planning applications, delegating decisions on smaller developments to officers as part of a national scheme.
Bexley Council approved new planning procedures at a full Council meeting on 4 November 2026, meaning officers will now determine smaller applications like householder extensions and developments of up to nine homes. This change, which some councillors described as "undemocratic", was mandated by a new national scheme of delegations that came into force on 31 October 2026.
The new national scheme of delegations is stripping elected councillors of planning powers across England. This means local authorities are implementing changes to how decisions are made on certain types of development, shifting responsibility from elected members to council officers.
Planning powers refer to the authority and responsibilities of local councils to make decisions regarding development and land use within their areas. These powers include determining whether proposed building projects can go ahead and under what conditions.
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
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 6 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.