Reforming Planning Committees: What the Government's Latest Consultation Means for Planning Practice

The government has taken a further step in its ongoing drive to modernise and streamline the planning system in England. Following the December 2024 ‘Planning Reform Working Paper – Modernising Planning Committees’, a new technical consultation launched on 28 May 2025 seeks feedback on proposed regulations underpinning reforms included in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

(Source: Gregg Brekke / Presbyterian News Service)

These proposed changes aim to bring greater consistency, efficiency and professional rigour to the way planning committees operate. Below we break down the key areas under consultation: delegation of planning functions, committee size and composition and mandatory training for committee members.

1. Delegation of Planning Functions: A More Consistent Approach

   
   

Local planning authorities (LPAs) currently operate their own schemes of delegation, often leading to significant variation across the country. This inconsistency can frustrate applicants, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and regional developers, who deal with multiple LPAs.

The government proposes a national scheme of delegation, categorising applications into two tiers:

Tier A: applications that must always be delegated to officers. These include applications for planning permission for:

• householder development,

• minor residential development (up to 9 dwellings), and

• minor commercial development.

Applications for reserved matter approvals:

• applications for s96A non-material amendments to planning permissions,

• applications for the approval of conditions,

• applications for approval of the BNG Plan,

• applications for approval of prior approval (for permitted development rights),

• applications for Lawful Development Certificates, and

• applications for a Certificate of Appropriate Alternative Development.

  
  

Tier B: applications that should be delegated to officers by default, unless the Chief Planning Officer and Committee Chair agree to refer them to committee based on a gateway test. Tier B includes:

• applications for planning permission not covered by Tier A,

• section 73 applications to vary conditions,

• notwithstanding Tier A, applications involving the LPA itself, councillors or officers, and

• reviews of mineral planning conditions.

The consultation also floats the idea of introducing a new medium residential development category (10–50 dwellings), which could potentially be included in Tier A under certain conditions.

This proposed triage approach aims to empower professional officers, reduce delays and allow committees to focus their attention on complex or locally sensitive applications.

2. Size and Composition of Planning Committees

   
   

While the government will not mandate strategic development committees at this stage, it will encourage LPAs, through future guidance, to adopt them where appropriate.

However, it does propose taking a new power to regulate the size and composition of planning committees, with a maximum of 11 members to be specified in forthcoming regulations. Smaller committees are expected to improve decision-making efficiency and reduce administrative burden.

3. Mandatory Training and Certification for Committee Members

   
   

A key concern emerging from recent research (e.g. Planning Advisory Service findings) is the lack of consistent understanding among committee members, even after receiving training.

To address this, the government is progressing with a requirement for mandatory training and certification for all planning committee members. Members would be prohibited from taking part in committee decisions unless properly trained. The content of the training is expected to include:

• national elements: National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other statutory guidance and regulations.

• local elements: local plans and context-specific issues.

Training delivery may be hybrid (online and in-person) to suit member availability. Two certification models are under consideration:

• a national certification scheme, procured by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), involving a standardised online test or certification; or

• a local authority–led certification process.

The government’s preferred option is the national scheme, to ensure impartiality and relieve pressure on individual LPAs.

Next Steps

These reforms mark a significant shift in the culture and structure of local planning decision-making. They aim to enhance clarity, boost confidence in the system and create more space for strategic thinking by planning committees.

The consultation on the Reform of Planning Committees is open for 8 weeks from 28th May 2025. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposals and submit their views. Access the full consultation and respond by clicking here.

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Need help navigating the new reforms? At Bluestone Planning, we recognise the pivotal role these changes will play in shaping development opportunities. If you currently possess land and are uncertain about how to proceed in light of policy reform, we are here to help. Our team is ready to guide you through these new rules and help you make the most of the opportunities they present.

Contact us at Bluestone Planning by calling +44 1235 766825 or emailing admin@bluestoneplanning.co.uk.