Significant changes to planning legislation and national planning policy came into effect from October 2026, with a stronger focus on supporting economic growth, investment and infrastructure delivery.

Under the new arrangements, most planning applications, including the vast majority of minor commercial developments, will be delegated to planning officers for determination. Minor commercial development is generally defined as schemes creating less than 1,000 square metres of floorspace or covering less than one hectare. Applications will only be referred to committee in limited circumstances, such as conflicts of interest or where strategic local issues are identified.

The reforms also remove the ability for local ward members to call applications into committee and limit planning committees to 13 members.

Alongside procedural changes, updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) place greater weight on proposals that support business investment, job creation, rural enterprise, freight and logistics, renewable energy and key infrastructure projects. Additional protections are also being introduced for pubs, requiring clear evidence that continued operation is no longer viable before conversion to other uses can be considered.

The changes are intended to create a more efficient, consistent planning system while helping businesses invest, expand and adapt to future opportunities.

View a summary of the changes here.