Planning for Central Control

Over 95% of planning applications are not controversial and are approved by Planning Officers. 

However, currently, a councillor can refer a decision to be considered by the Planning Committee if objections are received. 

Under new government regulations, this right will be withdrawn. 

In future, a councillor may receive dozens of objections from residents but will be unable to have an application heard by committee. Views of neighbours and the local community will count for nothing.

A development of up to nine houses could still have a significant impact on residents’ lives and the local area, but petitions or objections will not be allowed. This will undermine democratic oversight, curtailing councillors’ ability to represent their residents effectively.  

These changes are quite unnecessary: currently, the Planning Committee considers only a tiny number of complex, contentious or sensitive applications. This level of scrutiny is both proportionate and reasonable.  

Liberal Democrats locally and nationally oppose these changes that will make the planning system more remote, opaque and divisive.