Decisions about planning applications are changing

Why things are changing

From Saturday 31 October 2026, new national rules will change how councils can make decisions about planning applications.

The government expects all councils in England to use the same rules when they decide which planning applications go to a planning committee. This isn’t about whether permission is or isn’t given, but where the decision is made.

The new rules explain:

  • which applications planning officers must make decisions about
  • which applications may go to Planning Committee

What’s changing

Until now, councillors have been able to request that some planning applications go to Planning Committee. This is known as ‘calling in’ an application.

We can no longer use the call in process as this will no longer be lawful.

Instead, we will use the new national rules.

The new rules, in summary, divide planning applications into two main groups – Schedule 1 and Schedule 2. Schedule 1 refers to applications that planning officers make decisions about, and Schedule 2 refers to applications that may go to Planning Committee.

Schedule 1: Applications that planning officers usually make decisions about

The majority of planning decisions are already made by Planning officers. These might include decisions about:

  • extending or altering homes
  • smaller housing or business developments
  • small changes to planning permissions
  • applications that seek approval for details after we have granted planning permission

Are there any exceptions?

Yes – we may deal with some applications under Schedule 2 instead.

We may do this if:

  • someone has already carried out the works
  • the application involves certain works to a listed building
  • the Council, a Councillor, or a Council Officer has an interest in the application

For example, we may apply for planning permission to carry out works on land or buildings that we own.

Schedule 2: Applications that may go to the Planning Committee

The Planning Committee may consider some Schedule 2 applications if they pass a Gateway Test.

Schedule 2 applications might include:

  • applications that do not appear in Schedule 1
  • some applications where someone has already carried out the works
  • applications about listed buildings
  • applications for advertisements
  • applications that involve protected trees

What the Gateway Test involves

The Gateway Test will help decide whether a Schedule 2 application should go to Planning Committee.

To pass the test, an application must raise a really important issue for the local area.

This issue might be about:

  • local people
  • the local economy
  • the environment
  • an important planning issue

The Chief Planning Officer and a senior Councillor must both agree that the application should go to Planning Committee, by looking carefully at all the facts.

If they do not agree, the Chief Planning Officer is expected to make a decision about the way the application should be decided.

Can I still have my say?

Yes - you can still have your say on planning applications.

We will continue to tell you about planning applications, as well as invite comments before we make decisions about them.

The new rules change who makes the final decision, but they do not stop you from commenting on a planning application.

The new rules are about how an application is decided - not whether permission is given.

Please remember:

  • a large number of comments or objections does not automatically mean the Planning Committee will consider an application
  • we will still read and consider comments about planning matters before we make a decision

We have published information on our website about how to comment on a planning application - as well as the things we can consider.

How we use your comments

A Planning Officer will consider any comments received, before making a decision.

They will also consider our planning policies, and any other relevant planning issues.

You can access our online planning register to:

  • find a planning application, and view any documents linked to it
  • view reports and decisions when they are available

For some Schedule 2 applications, we will also publish a record to show whether Planning Committee will consider the application, or if a decision will be made by a Planning Officer.

Additional information and useful links

  1. View or comment on a planning application (and find out what you can comment on)
  2. Planning Committee meetings
  3. Read the government's national rules