The Government has introduced a number of changes to the planning system in England during 2026.
These affect how some planning applications are decided, which applications can be considered by Planning Committee and how planning appeals are handled.
Changes to planning decisions from 31 October 2026
From 31 October, the Government is introducing a new National Scheme of Delegation for planning decisions.
It sets national rules for which planning applications must be decided by planning officers and which may be considered by a Planning Committee.
Lichfield District Council, along with other local planning authorities covered by the new regulations, is required to follow the new arrangements.
What will change?
Under the new national rules, some applications must be decided by planning officers. These include:
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householder applications
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minor commercial development
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minor residential developments of up to nine homes on sites smaller than 0.5 hectares
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some applications relating to planning conditions
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some reserved matters applications.
Other applications, including major developments, may still be referred to Planning Committee where they meet the criteria set by Government. This is known as the Gateway Test.
This means Planning Committee will continue to consider applications where the requirements for committee consideration are met.
When can an application go to Planning Committee after 31 October 2026?
A planning application may be considered by Planning Committee only where the relevant national requirements are met. Applications can only fall into one of the following categories:
| Application type | What this usually means |
| Schedule 1 | These applications must be decided by officers. They do not go to Planning Committee, unless the own-interest provisions apply. |
| Schedule 2 | These applications are normally delegated to officers, but may be referred to Planning Committee if the gateway test is met and the nominated officer and nominated member agree. |
| Own-interest applications | Applications submitted by, or involving, the Council, a Councillor, an officer, or a Council-owned/controlled body or interest may be referred to Planning Committee where the nominated officer and nominated member agree that this is appropriate. |
What does the 500-home threshold mean?
The 500-home threshold relates specifically to reserved matters applications – the detailed proposals that can follow after outline planning permission has already been granted.
Reserved matters relating to outline permissions for fewer than 500 homes will be decided by planning officers as they fall under schedule 1.
For outline permissions of 500 homes or more, reserved matters may be considered for referral to Planning Committee, subject to the requirements of the national scheme.
It does not mean that an outline planning application for fewer than 500 homes cannot be considered by Planning Committee.
Can I still comment on planning applications?
Yes, these changes affect who makes the final decision on some applications. They do not remove your opportunity to have your say.
We will continue to publicise planning applications and you can continue to submit comments during the consultation period. Relevant planning considerations raised will be taken into account when an application is assessed, whether the final decision is made by a planning officer or Planning Committee.
Find out more
We will keep this page updated as national planning changes are introduced. You can search for current planning applications and have your say on applications open for consultation on our Comment on a planning application pages.
