National Scheme of Delegation
The Government is introducing a new National Scheme of Delegation for planning applications across England.
Changes to planning decision making
New national planning rules are coming into effect.
From 31 October 2026 some planning applications will be decided by planning officers rather than being considered by a Planning Committee.
These changes are being introduced nationally, and Kirklees Council is required to follow them.
Residents, businesses, councillors and town and parish councils will still be able to comment on planning applications and have their views considered.
Under the new rules, the following types of applications will normally be determined by planning officers:
- Householder developments, such as extensions and alterations
- Small residential developments of up to nine homes
- Minor commercial developments
- Applications relating to planning conditions
- Non-material amendments
- Certificates of lawfulness
These applications will not usually be considered by a Planning Committee. In the new guidance these applications fit under a category called Schedule 1.
Some larger or more complex applications may still be referred to Planning Committee.
These can include:
- Major housing developments
- Major commercial developments
- Certain change of use applications, for example Class C2 – Children's Homes, Class C4 Houses of Multiple Occupation and Sui Generis (a class of its own) for example Hot Food Take Aways
Applications must meet specific national criteria before they can be considered by committee. For more information visit: Planning Committees and the National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions: Guidance for local planning authorities in England - GOV.UK
The new national rules introduce a Gateway Test. The introduction of a national Gateway Test provides a transparent framework for determining when applications should be considered by a Planning Committee.
For an eligible planning application to be considered by Planning Committee, it must raise either:
- a significant economic, social or environmental issue affecting the local area; or
- a significant planning matter when assessed against planning policies and other material planning considerations.
Please note that applications that do not meet the Gateway Test will be determined by planning officers.
This process aims to allow Planning Committees to focus on the most significant planning matters.
Continuing to have your say on planning applications
You will still be able to:
- View planning applications
- Submit comments, objections or letters of support
- Raise planning concerns during consultation periods
- Have your comments considered before a decision is made
The changes affect how some planning decisions are made, not your ability to take part in the planning process.
The new rules introduce a consistent approach across England for deciding which planning applications are determined by planning officers and which may be considered by a Planning Committee. This process aims to allow Planning Committees to focus on the most significant planning matters.
Material planning considerations remain unchanged
All relevant planning comments will continue to be considered when applications are assessed, regardless of whether the decision is made by a planning officer or a Planning Committee.
Examples include:
- Highway and road safety
- Flood risk and drainage
- Heritage impacts
- Ecology and biodiversity
- Design and appearance
- Impact on neighbouring properties
- Landscape impacts
- Compliance with planning policy
- Public consultation and notification processes
Kirklees Council will continue to:
- Publicise planning applications
- Notify neighbours where required
- Consult statutory organisations
- Seek views from interested parties
- Accept comments during consultation periods
- Applications affected by the new rules
The new arrangements will apply to any planning application that has not been determined by 31 October 2026, including applications submitted before that date.
Changes to councillor call-in arrangements
The current local arrangements for councillor call-ins will no longer apply automatically.
Instead, any application must meet the national Gateway Test before it can be referred to Planning Committee.