Changes to planning decision-making from 31 October 2026

We know that planning decisions are important to residents. They can have a significant impact on the places where people live and the future of our communities. Although councils will need to operate within the new national framework, local policies, priorities and community considerations will remain an important part of the planning process.

What is changing?

One of the key changes is that the majority of planning applications, including proposals such as extensions and alterations to existing homes and residential development of less than 10 dwellings, will no longer be able to be referred to a Planning Committee by Councillors. Instead, these applications must be determined by Planning Officers. As a result, all councils will need to make changes to their existing decision-making arrangements and governance processes to ensure they meet the new requirements.

What will remain the same?

While there will be some changes to how applications are dealt with, residents will continue to have an important role in the planning process.

• Planning applications will continue to be assessed by experienced planning officers. Decisions will take account of national planning policies as well as Spelthorne’s local planning policies, including the new Local Plan. 
• Residents will continue to have the opportunity to comment. Views submitted on planning applications will continue to be considered as part of the decision-making process. Residents are encouraged to remain involved by submitting their views and signing up for planning alerts so they can be notified about applications in their area. Register here: Weekly List

In addition, direct neighbours will continue to be notified of planning applications through the Council’s normal notification procedure. Comments can also be emailed to planningdm@spelthorne.gov.uk or call 01784 451499.

• Councillors will continue to have a key role. Applications that meet certain criteria, primarily “major” proposals, retrospective applications and those associated with Listed Buildings, may still be considered by a Planning Committee. The new rules provide a framework for ensuring that these more significant applications can continue to be brought before Councillors where appropriate.
  • Planning Committee: Committee details - Planning Committee - Spelthorne Borough Council
    • Your Ward Councillor: Your councillors - Spelthorne Borough Council

Cllr Michele Gibson, Chair of the Planning Committee said, “We recognise that some residents may have concerns about fewer applications being considered by Planning Committees, but they can be assured that their views will continue to play an important part in the planning process. These national changes are intended to ensure that straightforward applications can be dealt with more efficiently, while allowing Councillors to focus their time and expertise on proposals that are more complex or could have a greater impact on our communities. The Government acknowledges that these are significant changes and plans have been put in place a review after 3 years to ensure the new process is working as anticipated.

We will continue to ensure that planning decisions are made fairly, transparently and in the best interests of Spelthorne residents.”

Read the FAQs here Planning changes national regulations FAQs October 2026 | Spelthorne Borough Council