1. Rules on Determining Planning Applications
This is a Quick Summary
The majority of planning decisions are made by planning officers under delegated powers, but some larger or contentious applications are decided by the Area Planning Sub-Committees or Main Planning Committee. [NOTE: In 2027 the Government is introducing major changes on how planning decisions are made.]
The Area Sub-Committees will decide the following:
• Minor applications (1-9 dwellings or non-residential development less than 1000 sqm) recommended for approval by officers and there are objections from 15 or more households.
• All applications ‘referred’ by a ward councillor for the ward within which the application is situated, within 28 days of validation. The referral shall be done on a conditional basis, i.e. either against permission or refusal.
The Main Planning Committee will decide the following:
• Major applications (10+ dwellings or 1000 sqm+ non-residential floorspace) which are recommended for approval by officers and there
are objections from 15 or more households.
• Major applications ‘referred’ to the Planning Committee by a ward member for the ward within which the application is situated.
• Any two members of the Main Planning Committee have referred an application from an Area Planning Sub-Committee to the Planning Committee.
2. Need Planning Permission For Your Extension?
The latest planning permission regulations for house extensions is all available on the Planning Portal – www.planningportal.co.uk
3. Want help about objecting to an application?
It’s critical to lay out the cogent and correct points if you want your case to be relevant. Read our planning objection document
4. Want to Make an Appeal?
Appeals must be initiated within 12 weeks of the Local Planning Authority’s refusal decision (normally 6 months) and the Planning Inspectorate aims to come to a decision within 8 weeks. In his/her appeal request an appellant must include a complete, clear and concise statement of his/her grounds of appeal, as this is the only opportunity to make representations. The Inspector makes his decision on the basis of the information available to the LPA when the original application was determined. The appeals process is all handled online at Appeal a householder planning decision