Planning Scheme of Delegation
The National Scheme of Delegation, created by the UK Government, sets out how and when planning application decisions are made.
The scheme was introduced on 31 October 2026 for all councils in England. Under the national scheme most planning applications are decided by planning officers, under delegated powers. Only certain types of applications can be considered by elected Councillors on Planning Committee.
Planning applications are either classified as Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 applications.
Schedule 1 applications must always be decided by planning offices. These include:
- Household applications – such as extensions, outbuildings and garages
- Reserved matters applications for 499 homes or less
- Minor residential schemes of up to 9 homes
- Advertisement consent
- Works to trees
All other applications are classed as Schedule 2. These include:
- Major applications for 10 or more homes
- Listed building applications
Schedule 2 applications are only decided by Planning Committee if they raise concerns about economic, social or environmental issues locally, or at least one significant planning matter. This is known as the Gateway Test.
A full list of schedule 1 and schedule 2 application types in the National Scheme of Delegation is available by visiting the Scheme of delegation guidance page in the external link panel below'
The Gateway Test
Our Chief Planning Officer – the Assistant Director for Planning and Strategic Growth, and Chair of Planning Committee will discuss and decide if Schedule 2 applications should be considered by the Planning Committee.
An application will only go to Committee where it is agreed the proposal:
- raises a significant planning, economic, social or environmental issue
- raises a significant planning matter, having regard to the Council’s adopted planning policies and any other material planning considerations