The Planning and Development Committee of Middlesbrough Council met on Thursday 10 September 2026 to discuss forthcoming national planning reforms and to note planning appeal outcomes. The committee agreed to receive further updates on the implementation of the national scheme of delegation and to submit a response to a government consultation on mayoral authorities calling in strategic planning decisions.

Forthcoming National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Committees

The committee received a presentation on forthcoming national planning committee reforms, due to come into effect on 31 October 2026. These reforms, legislated through the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, aim to improve consistency in decision-making, reduce delays, and ensure planning committees focus on applications with significant local impact, while more minor applications are determined by officers. Key changes include a national scheme of delegation, a limit of 13 members per committee (which will not affect Middlesbrough's current committee of 10 members), and a mandate for regular training for committee members.

Under the new system, planning applications will be categorised into two schedules: Schedule 1 applications, which must be determined by officers, and Schedule 2 applications, which may be referred to a committee if they meet specific significance criteria through a gateway test. This test will be applied by a nominated officer and a nominated member to assess whether an application raises significant economic, social, or environmental issues, or involves substantial planning matters. Local authorities will need to establish their own procedures for applying this test and maintain records of these decisions.

The committee was also informed about proposed changes to the Planning Committee Code of Practice, which would require members of the public wishing to speak at committee meetings to register in advance. If more than five members of the public wish to speak on a single application, the Chair will have discretion to prioritise speakers most affected by the application. Ward councillors' speaking time will also be limited to five minutes, with the Chair retaining some discretion.

A member of the committee raised the issue of a current government consultation regarding whether mayoral authorities should have the right to call in strategic planning decisions from councils for developments of 150 houses or more. The committee agreed that it was important for a response to be submitted to this consultation. The committee agreed to note the information provided and receive further updates as local implementation arrangements are developed.

Planning Appeal Outcomes

The committee also received a presentation from Planning Officers on various Planning Appeals that had been considered by the Planning Inspectorate. Members noted the information provided.