Hounslow has appointed the officers overseeing planning committee referrals ahead of England’s 31st October delegation changes, altering how significant applications reach councillors.
Hounslow planning committee adopts referral rules
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Planning Reform News – Page 2
More Planning Reform reports from Planning Geek. Return to the first page of this news archive for the latest stories and our introduction to the topic.
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Gloucestershire local plan deadline extended to March 2027
Three Gloucestershire councils have until March 2027 to submit their joint plan, but must complete public consultation by December.
Legacy Local Plan Deadline Extended to March 2027
England’s legacy Local Plan submission deadline moves to 31 March 2027 for qualifying plans completing Regulation 19 by December.
Welsh Planning Code Enters New Consolidation Phase
Wales sets out two phases of planning legislation consolidation, including restated secondary regulations and longer-term policy and guidance updates.
Stratford planning delegation: 53 of 64 bypass committee
Stratford’s review found 53 of roughly 64 former planning committee cases would move to officers under England’s new delegation rules.
Fenland planning delegation rejected by 32 votes to two
Fenland councillors reportedly rejected national planning delegation changes by 32 votes to two, but statutory rules still apply from 31 October.
West Lancashire opposes planning delegation but will comply
West Lancashire councillors oppose the national planning delegation scheme but will update their constitution before the 31 October deadline.
Norfolk EDP faces watchdog challenge before deadline
A Labour MP has urged environmental watchdog intervention as Norfolk’s proposed housing levy approaches a fast-looming consultation deadline.
West Berkshire planning committee replaces three panels
West Berkshire will replace three planning panels with one district-wide committee as new national delegation rules take effect on 31st October.
Housing reform report calls for freeze and national service
Prosper UK’s commission proposes changes to development costs and major application decisions, while applicants still need to follow current requirements.
Scottish national parks duties change from 26th October
Revised park aims cover nature, climate and local housing, while public bodies face a stronger duty concerning national park plans.
Section 106 appeals: guidance clarifies late deeds
The Inspectorate clarifies two circumstances for accepting executed obligations, while retaining application-stage expectations and discretion over new appeal evidence.
Coal tip safety report urges Welsh planning consultation
A climate adaptation report recommends a new consultation role near disused tips, while Wales prepares its future safety authority.
Hart Local Plan consultation opens 26 October
Hart’s first consultation on proposed Local Plan content and evidence is now scheduled for 26 October to 7 December 2026.
NI mast consultation adds neighbour notification question
Northern Ireland added a neighbour notification question to proposed telecoms permitted development changes on 9th October. Responses close in December.
Woking planning delegation faces 15th October vote
Woking councillors will consider changes to who decides planning applications before new mandatory national delegation rules take effect on 31st October.
Derbyshire planning delegation approved under protest
Derbyshire councillors approved mandatory delegation rules despite opposing them, sharpening the debate over officer decisions before the 31st October deadline.
Welsh farm planning reform urged after poultry delays
NFU Cymru presses ministers for new agricultural development rights and faster consultee responses as poultry applications remain unresolved.
Westmorland planning committee replaces four panels
Westmorland and Furness will replace four planning committees with a single 13-member panel as national delegation rules begin on 31st October.
Winchester Local Plan scoping closes on 9th October
Winchester’s new Local Plan consultation ends at 23:59 on 9th October, with higher housing requirements but no new call for sites.
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