From Saturday 31 October 2026, most planning applications in England will be decided by officers under one national scheme, rather than by local councillors. The National Scheme of Delegation replaces the patchwork of local schemes that every council previously wrote for itself, and it changes who takes planning decisions — not planning policy itself.

A single national rule replaces local schemes

Until now, each council in England set out which applications its officers could decide and which had to go before elected councillors. From 31 October, that patchwork is replaced by the National Scheme of Delegation, created under the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and given effect by 2026 regulations. The change applies to England only and does not apply to National Park authorities or the Broads Authority.

What officers will decide, and what can still reach committee

Smaller and routine cases listed in Schedule 1 — including householder applications, minor commercial work and residential schemes of fewer than ten homes — must now be decided by officers, with no councillor call-in. Larger and more sensitive Schedule 2 cases can still reach a committee, but only if they pass a new Gateway Test: the chief planning officer and a nominated councillor, usually the committee chair, must both agree the case raises a genuine local issue or a significant planning matter. Government guidance sets a presumption in favour of officer decisions even there. Committees will also be capped at 13 members, with mandatory training for members.

Why councils are divided

The Government says the aim is faster, more consistent decisions and to let committees focus on complex proposals. The Local Government Association has warned about the effect on local democracy and called on 30 October for the planned 2028 review to be brought forward to 2027. At least four councils — Bolton, Fenland, Central Bedfordshire and Tameside — had not approved the constitutional changes needed by the deadline, with Bolton warning it could not lawfully hold planning committee meetings or determine applications until its constitution is amended. Residents can still comment on applications, but undecided applications already in the system will now be handled under the new scheme.

Sources: St Albans City and District Council; Pinsent Masons.