National changes to the planning system are being introduced this spring. These changes affect how planning applications are decided and how appeals are handled.
1. Changes to planning appeals - from 1 April 2026
Most planning appeals are decided using a process called written representations. From 1 April 2026, this process is changing.
What’s changing
- Appeals will be decided based only on the information submitted with the original planning application.
- People will no longer be able to submit comments at the appeal stage.
What this means for you
If you want your views to be considered, it is more important than ever to comment when an application is first submitted.
We will continue to:
- Notify neighbours of planning applications.
- Provide opportunities to comment at application stage.
2. Changes to large housing applications - from 26 March 2026
For planning applications of 150 homes or more, new national rules mean:
- If the council is considering refusing an application, we must notify the Secretary of State.
- The Secretary of State may decide to take over (or “call in”) the application.
This change is designed to support the delivery of new homes across the country.
Further changes coming soon
Additional changes to planning committees are expected later in 2026.
We will share more information once details are confirmed.
Need more information?
If you would like to comment on a planning application, visit: Comment on a planning application
