The Constitution Committee of Hackney Council met on Tuesday 21 July 2026 to discuss changes to the Planning Committee's terms of reference and to note the appointment of the committee's Chair and Vice-Chair. The committee agreed to recommend significant changes to the Planning Committee's terms of reference, including its elevation to a standalone committee and the delegation of certain decision-making powers.

Changes to Planning Committee Terms of Reference

The committee agreed to recommend to Full Council the adoption of new Terms of Reference for the Planning Committee. This significant change will see the Planning Sub-Committee elevated to become a committee in its own right, rather than a sub-committee of the Corporate Committee. This move aligns Hackney Council with the practices of other local authorities and reflects the importance of planning decisions within the borough.

These changes are being made in response to new legislation, the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, which comes into effect on 31 October 2026. The new legislation introduces reforms focusing on the size and composition of planning committees, the delegation of planning functions to officers, and mandatory training for committee members.

The proposed new Terms of Reference outline which planning applications will be determined by officers and which will be considered by the Planning Committee. A key aspect of the new legislation is the introduction of a National Scheme of Delegation, which categorises applications. Some applications must be determined by officers, while others are presumed to be delegated unless specific criteria are met, or if the nominated officer and member agree they should be referred to the Planning Committee. These criteria include whether the application raises issues of economic, social, or environmental significance, or significant planning matters.

The committee also recommended that the Monitoring Officer be given delegated authority to finalise the Terms of Reference and any consequential amendments to the Planning Code of Conduct, taking into account any changes to the proposed National Scheme as secondary legislation progresses. Additionally, the Monitoring Officer will be empowered to amend the Terms of Reference of the Corporate Committee to remove references to planning functions.

The report detailing these changes noted that there were no direct financial implications, but acknowledged that a revised balance of applications considered by the committee might lead to a reduction in the number referred to the Planning Committee.

Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair

The committee noted the appointment of Councillor Alastair Binnie-Lubbock as the Chair of the Constitution Committee for the Municipal Year 2026/27. This appointment had been agreed at the Annual Meeting of Council on 28 May 2026. Councillor Binnie-Lubbock is the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Inclusive Neighbourhoods.

The committee also noted the nomination of Councillor Rolf Dekker as the Vice-Chair of the Constitution Committee for the Municipal Year 2026/27, subject to approval by Full Council at its meeting on 28 July 2026.

Constitution Committee Terms of Reference

The committee noted the existing Terms of Reference for the Constitution Committee. These terms outline the committee's responsibilities, which include reviewing areas of the Council's Constitution to ensure they are fit for purpose and proposing appropriate changes. The committee also receives requests to review specific areas of the Constitution and recommends proposed changes to Full Council for approval.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The committee noted the minutes of its previous meeting, which was held on 14 April 2026.