The Planning and Transportation Committee of the City of London Council met on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to discuss reforms to planning committees, changes to controlled parking zones and parking tariffs, and the adoption of a planning advice note on heat network supply zones. Key decisions included the approval of a three-panel system for planning applications sub-committees, revised parking arrangements for weekdays and Saturdays, and the adoption of the Heat Network Supply Zones in the Thames Policy Area Planning Advice Note.

Reform of Planning Committees

The committee discussed and approved reforms to the City of London's planning committee structure in response to new national legislation. Following debate, the committee opted for a three-panel system for planning applications sub-committees. This decision was made to ensure wider democratic oversight and engagement, a diversity of opinion, and to better serve the community. The panels will be constituted based on members' length of service on the Planning and Transportation Committee, aiming to spread experience evenly. The committee also approved amendments to the Officer Scheme of Delegations and the Planning & Transportation Committee Terms of Reference, and confirmed the continuation of in-house training for elected members of the Planning Applications Sub-Committee.

Controlled Parking Zone and Parking Tariff Changes

The committee approved changes to the City of London's Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) and parking tariffs, following a review and public consultation. Key decisions include:

• Sundays: Current arrangements will be retained, with no on-street parking charges or single yellow line restrictions.
• Weekdays: On-street and off-street hourly tariffs will apply from 7am, with single yellow line restrictions and hourly tariffs extending until 8pm.
• Saturdays: CPZ hours will align with weekdays, featuring an hourly tariff until 1:30pm, followed by a one-off parking charge for any duration thereafter.
• Tariffs: Three-year pricing strategies for on-street and off-street hourly tariffs were agreed. Hybrid vehicles will be treated separately from fully electric vehicles.
• Resident Permits: A 25% reduction in off-street resident permits is agreed for 2027. Residents of the Barbican Estate will no longer be eligible for new or additional resident parking permits in public car parks, though existing permits will be honoured. This measure aims to protect public car park capacity.

The committee also agreed for officers to proceed with the formal statutory consultation process for the on-street changes, with implementation anticipated in spring 2027.

Planning Advice Note - Heat Network Supply Zones in the Thames Policy Area

The committee approved the adoption of the Planning Advice Note (PAN) concerning heat network supply zones in the Thames Policy Area. This PAN provides guidance on plans for heat supply to the Square Mile, impacting development within the Thames Policy Area. It highlights relevant planning policies, regulations, and studies.

The PAN recommends that applicants developing proposals within the Thames Policy Area engage early with the City of London Corporation Planning Team and other stakeholders regarding:

• River Source Heat Pump (RSHP) infrastructure at Walbrook Wharf.
• The use of Swan Lane foreshore for thermal barges.
• Other potential mooring locations for thermal barges.
• The development of Cory's Strategic Heat Main project, designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.

If adopted, the PAN will be a material consideration in planning decisions but does not allocate specific sites or pre-determine planning application outcomes.

Other Matters

The committee also noted the Annual On-Street Parking Accounts for 2025/26, the Heat Network Zoning - Zone Coordination Body (ZCB) - Strategic Options Appraisal (Gateway 2), and a report of actions taken by the Town Clerk. Members also raised questions regarding the implications of revised national planning policy on historic buildings and sustainability.