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's changing?
Under the new rules, certain planning applications must be decided by planning officers rather than Planning Committee.
These include:
- Home extensions and other householder applications.
- Smaller housing developments of up to nine homes on sites smaller than 0.5 hectares.
- Minor commercial developments.
- Some applications relating to planning conditions and detailed plans.
Planning Committee will continue to consider eligible applications, including major developments. However, new national rules restrict which applications can be referred to committee.
Councillors can no longer automatically require an application to go to Planning Committee. Referrals must meet national criteria and be agreed by a nominated planning officer and Planning Committee member.
What does the 500-home threshold mean?
The 500-home threshold does not mean developments of fewer than 500 homes cannot go to Planning Committee.
It relates specifically to reserved matters applications – the detailed plans submitted after outline planning permission has already been granted.
Under the new rules, reserved matters applications relating to outline permissions for fewer than 500 homes must be decided by planning officers.
For outline permissions of 500 homes or more, reserved matters applications may still be considered by Planning Committee where the national requirements are met.
This means an outline planning application for fewer than 500 homes may still go to Planning Committee if it meets the relevant criteria.
Can I still comment on planning applications?
Yes. You can still have your say on planning applications.
The changes affect who makes the final decision on some applications. They do not remove your opportunity to comment.
We will continue to publicise planning applications, and you can still submit comments during the consultation period. Relevant planning considerations will continue to be taken into account when an application is assessed, whether the final decision is made by a planning officer or Planning Committee.
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. |
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.
