Why it matters
Until now, each council set its own rules on which applications went to planning committee. Small schemes could end up at committee because a councillor called them in or a handful of neighbours objected, adding weeks or months and uncertainty. The national scheme replaces local variation with one set of rules across England.
How the two tiers work
Tier A applications must always be decided by officers. They include householder applications, minor residential and commercial development (up to 9 homes), reserved matters, discharge of conditions, prior approval, permission in principle, non-material amendments, lawful development certificates and biodiversity gain plans.
Tier B covers other applications, including major development. These are also delegated to officers unless a nominated planning officer and a nominated committee member both agree to refer the application to committee, and it raises a significant planning matter or a significant economic, social or environmental issue for the area.
What else changes
- Ward councillors can no longer call in applications.
- Applications are no longer referred to committee automatically because of a number of objections.
- Planning committees and sub-committees are limited to 13 councillors.
What it means for applicants
For householder and small residential schemes, decisions should become quicker and more predictable, because they will be made on planning merits by officers. That puts more weight on a well-prepared application and a constructive relationship with the case officer.
Objectors still have their say through consultation, and officers must still weigh every material consideration. The difference is that a well-supported scheme should no longer stall simply because it attracted local opposition.
Check with the council how it is applying any transitional arrangements to applications submitted before 31 October 2026.
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Sources
- UK Parliament: Written statement on the National Scheme of Delegation (26 March 2026)
- Freeths: The National Scheme of Delegation explained
- Local Government Lawyer: Streamlining the planning system: the new National Delegation Scheme
This article is general information about planning in England at the date shown. It is not advice on any particular site, and the law and policy may have changed since. Please speak to us before relying on it.