The Planning and Transportation Committee of the City of London Council met on Monday 22 June 2026 to discuss a range of important planning matters. The meeting's agenda included the approval of minutes from previous meetings, consideration of wardmote resolutions, and a significant report on the reform of planning committees. Several draft Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) were presented for decision, covering air quality, celebrating heritage, offices, planning obligations, and automated passenger services. The committee was also scheduled to discuss the CIL instalment policy review, the draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, and a proposal for developing a Nature Recovery Strategy. Additionally, reports on the Environment Department's business plan, the Transport Strategy, the District Surveyors' annual report, revenue outturn for 2025/26, and a risk management update were presented for information.

Reform of Planning Committees - Outcomes and Proposed Implementation

A joint report from the Town Clerk, the Comptroller & City Solicitor, and the Executive Director of Environment outlined proposed reforms to the planning system, driven by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025. These reforms aim to expedite housing delivery and standardise decision-making. Key proposals included the compulsory delegation of certain planning decisions to officers, a gateway mechanism for referring other decisions to committees, and a statutory limit of 13 members on planning decision-making committees. The report sought approval for changes to the Terms of Reference for the Planning and Transportation Committee and its Planning Applications Sub-Committee, as well as the Officer Scheme of Delegation, to ensure compliance with new legislative requirements. Recommendations were made to reduce the size of the Planning Applications Sub-Committee to 11 members, nominate the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee as nominated member and substitute, and the Planning and Development Director as nominated officer and substitutes. Changes to the Planning Protocol were also proposed, including setting a deadline for late objections and representations, and a review of the provision of printed committee papers.

Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

The Executive Director, Environment, presented a report on the draft Air Quality SPD, which had been approved for consultation in March 2026. This document provides detailed guidance on how applicants should manage and minimise emissions of air pollutants to comply with policies in the City Plan 2040. Following consultation, minor changes were made to the draft SPD, and the final version was presented for adoption. The proposed implementation date was set for 16 November 2026, conditional on the prior adoption of the City Plan 2040.

Celebrating Heritage Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

The Executive Director, Environment, presented a report on the draft Celebrating Heritage SPD, prepared in consultation with Historic England. This SPD aims to provide guidance on implementing new policies relating to heritage within the City Plan 2040, focusing on how development can celebrate heritage assets and contribute positively to the City's character and identity. The document was issued for consultation and could be refined further in response to feedback.

Offices Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

A report from the Executive Director, Environment, detailed the draft Offices SPD, prepared to support the implementation of policies relating to the protection of offices within the City Plan 2040. This SPD aims to ensure continuity of planning guidance on changes of use away from office space once the City Plan 2040 is adopted. The document had undergone consultation, and the final version was presented for adoption.

Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

The Executive Director, Environment, presented a report on the draft Planning Obligations SPD, which provides guidance on expected contributions towards infrastructure through Section 106 processes. This SPD updates existing guidance to reflect policies in the emerging City Plan 2040, specifically Policy S26 on Planning Contributions. The document had been subject to consultation, and the final version was presented for adoption.

Automated Passenger Services in the City of London

A report from the Executive Director, Environment, addressed the implications of the Automated Vehicles Act (2024), which will enable autonomous vehicles (AVs) to operate without a driver by mid-2027. Pilots of automated passenger services are expected to begin in late 2026. While the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and Transport for London (TfL) will be the permitting authorities, AVs will be treated as general traffic and managed through existing highway powers. The report proposed that the City Corporation proactively engage with operators to include the City within their initial operating areas, to understand impacts, gather data, and inform future policy.

CIL Instalment Policy Review

The Executive Director, Environment, presented a report seeking approval to update the City of London Corporation's Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Instalment Policy. The proposed changes aim to incentivise planning permission implementation by easing the burden of significant upfront CIL charges on developers. The report noted that the current policy is an outlier compared to most other central London charging authorities.

Draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy 2027-2033 - Agreement to Public Consultation

The Executive Director, Environment, presented a report on the draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) 2027-2033. As the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) for the Square Mile, the City Corporation is required to develop, maintain, and monitor such a strategy. The draft LFRMS, prepared with input from stakeholders, sets out a strategic framework for managing flood risk and was proposed for public consultation.

Nature Recovery Strategy Development Proposal

The Executive Director, Environment, presented a report outlining the proposed approach for developing the City Corporation's first corporate Nature Recovery Strategy. This strategy will set the long-term direction for biodiversity and nature across the Corporation's functions, services, and assets, aligning with the broader scope of the Climate Action Strategy 2027-2033. The development process will involve targeted consultation and the establishment of a strategic governance framework.

Environment Department Business Plan 2025/26 - End of Year Progress Report

This report, from the Executive Director, Environment, provided an update on the progress made towards delivering the Environment Department's Business Plan for 2025/26. It summarised achievements against major workstreams and performance measures during the financial year.

Transport Strategy: 2025/26 Annual Report, 2026/27 - 2030/31 Delivery Plan and City Streets 2025 Summary Report

This report from the Executive Director, Environment, presented the 2025/26 Annual Report detailing progress on the Transport Strategy, the Delivery Plan for 2026/27 – 2030/31, and the City Streets 2025 Summary Report highlighting key findings from strategic traffic counts. The report indicated good progress towards key targets, with several interim targets for traffic reduction already met.

District Surveyors Annual Report

This report from the Executive Director, Environment, provided an update on the workings of the District Surveyor's office, covering building control, engineering services for major infrastructure, and providing resilience to buildings and businesses affected by climatic and environmental risks. Annual reports were submitted to the committee for information.

Revenue Outturn 2025/26

The Chamberlain's report provided a comparison of the revenue outturn for services overseen by the committee in 2025/26 against the budget for the year, detailing overall net expenditure and underspends.

Risk Management Update Report

This report from the Executive Director, Environment, provided assurance to the committee that risk management procedures within the department were satisfactory and met the requirements of the Corporate Risk Management Framework. Key business risks managed by the service areas reporting to the committee were summarised.

Report of Action Taken

This report from the Town Clerk advised members of actions taken outside of the committee's meeting schedule, in consultation with the Chair and Deputy Chair, in accordance with Standing Order No. 40(a) and (b). These included the appointment of the Chair of the Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee and the declaration of the Bassishaw City Walkway.

The meeting also included items for decision in Part 2 (Non-Public Agenda), including a delegated authority request concerning the declaration of City Fund land surplus to highway requirements at 1 Undershaft, London EC3A 8EE, and a report on debt arrears within the Environment Department.

The meeting concluded at 3:12 pm.