North Yorkshire has cancelled some planning committee meetings while checking compliance with England’s new national delegation arrangements.
Planning committee cancellations hit North Yorkshire
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Electrification roadmap puts grid planning in focus
The government’s new electrification roadmap links grid infrastructure and development, but introduces no new planning permission or statutory consent rule.
Bolton reportedly backs planning delegation under protest
Bolton reportedly approves England’s national planning delegation rules while investigating judicial review costs and seeking support from other councils.
Strategic planning regulations reset city-region powers
Four statutory instruments set English spatial strategy procedures, examination rules and a £993 examination day rate from 26 November.
Planning delegation vote leaves Tameside in legal limbo
Tameside councillors reject mandatory delegation changes again after commencement, raising serious questions over the council’s ability to issue lawful planning decisions.
Energy Independence Bill proposes community energy rules
Ministers propose mandatory renewable energy community benefits, wider shared ownership and faster grid consent processes in a new Bill.
Crichel Down consultation proposes faster land disposals
Ministers propose shorter offer-back deadlines and narrower eligibility for surplus public land, with responses invited until 6 January 2027.
Spatial development strategies start on 26 November
New regulations set a 26 November start for England’s strategic planning duty, with narrower brownfield provisions commencing earlier.
Planning executive functions change under new 2026 law
New regulations clarify English councils’ executive responsibilities, including local development orders and specified entry powers, alongside the separate planning committee reforms.
Scottish energy objections move to reporter examination
Scottish ministers clarify when disputed electricity consent applications retain a public inquiry and when reporter-led examination now applies.
Local plan guidance revised for legacy examinations
MHCLG has updated England’s plan-making guidance on legacy examinations and five-year reviews as councils move into the new planning system.
PlanAssist council trials expand to 15 areas
Twelve more English councils join PlanAssist testing as ministers report early task savings, while officers retain responsibility for planning decisions.
Housing supply forecast cut by 190,000 homes
The OBR cuts expected UK housing additions by 190,000, while retaining its view that planning reforms will increase building.
Transport order reforms cut England’s objection period
New transport order regulations cut England’s objection period to 30 days from 20 November and revise inquiries, consents and fees.
Planning decision delays loom in Bolton council row
Bolton warns of possible planning decision disruption from 31 October, while ministers say officers can still determine applications under the new rules.
Council reorganisation: five areas move closer
Ministers favour new unitary councils in five areas, while withdrawing other decisions. Here is what this means for planning and Local Plans.
Crichel Down rules reform promised for 2027
Budget 2026 promises a spring 2027 overhaul of government land offer-back rules, potentially affecting surplus defence sites and housing delivery.
Data centre planning: draft NPS sets 100MW test
Draft national policy proposes a 100MW test for major data centres while retaining important Green Belt, power and environmental safeguards.
Budget promises planning AI for councils by 2027
The Budget promises planning AI for English councils and mandatory open planning data by end of 2027, subject to further testing.
BNG exemption promised for brownfield housing up to 1.5ha
Chancellor John Healey plans to exempt smaller brownfield housing schemes, but developers must wait for the start date and final rules
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