West Lancashire Borough Council hits out at major national overhaul of planning system - here's why
“This new national approach reduces the powers available to local Councils and limits the role elected members can play in decisions affecting the places they represent.”
West Lancashire Borough Council has formally recorded its opposition to an overhaul of the planning system.
Called the National Planning Scheme of Delegation, it is new legislation being introduced by Central Government, coming into effect on October 31. It marks a major shift towards a more officer-led planning system, with restrictions on what type of application can be referred to planning committee. Routine and policy-compliant applications are expected to stay out of committee, councillor call-ins are curtailed, and committees are intended to focus only on genuinely significant or contentious planning applications.
At a meeting of full Council on October 14, West Lancashire councillors considered the constitutional changes required to ensure the Council complies with the new legislation introduced by Central Government.
While members recognised the Council's Constitution will be changed to reflect the legal requirements, they unanimously voted against the National Planning Scheme of Delegation itself, expressing concern about the impact it will have on local decision-making.
Councillors raised concerns that the legislation reduces the discretion available to local authorities and limits the role of locally elected members in making planning decisions that affect their communities.
Councillor David Whittington, Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council, said: “While we have a legal duty to implement the changes required by the National Planning Scheme of Delegation, Councillors have made it clear that they do not support this legislation.
"Planning decisions can have a significant impact on residents, businesses and communities across West Lancashire, and we feel local authorities are best placed to understand the needs and priorities of their areas. This new national approach reduces the powers available to local Councils and limits the role elected members can play in decisions affecting the places they represent. We believe local communities should continue to have a strong democratic voice in shaping development in their area."
The Council will now update its Constitution to ensure it complies with the legislation ahead of its implementation date of October 31,2026.