The introduction of the new National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions represents an important change in how planning applications will be considered across England.

Coming into effect on 31 October 2026, the reforms aim to provide greater consistency around when applications should be determined under delegated powers and when they require consideration by a Planning Committee.

The Regulations create two broad decision categories:

• Schedule 1 – applications that must be decided by planning officers in all cases. This includes householder applications, minor commercial and residential developments, and reserved matters applications where the outline permission is for less than 500 dwellings or less than 50,000sqm of built floorspace;
• Schedule 2 – applications that are presumed to be officer-decided, unless specific ‘referral tests’ are met and senior decision-makers agree they should go to committee. 

For developers and local planning authorities, uncertainty around the route to decision-making has long been a challenge. The new framework recognises that committee involvement should be focused on applications where Member input adds genuine value, rather than being determined by scale alone.

The changes provide greater clarity for larger and more complex schemes, where the risk of committee referral can create additional time and cost pressures. By supporting more proportionate decision-making, the reforms should help authorities manage resources more effectively while maintaining appropriate democratic scrutiny.

The approach will not remove the need for early engagement.  Local judgement will also remain important; particularly for applications requiring a more discretionary assessment.

For clients navigating an evolving planning landscape, understanding how these changes are applied locally will be key. LSH’s national planning team works with developers, investors and public sector organisations to provide strategic planning advice, helping clients manage risk, unlock development opportunities and successfully navigate the planning process.