The Scrutiny Committee of Trafford Council met on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to discuss proposed changes to planning committee procedures and an update on the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities in Trafford. The meeting also reviewed the committee's work programme for the upcoming year.

National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Committees

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the incorporation of the National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Committees into the Council's constitution. This national framework, which comes into effect on 31 October 2026, aims to streamline planning decisions by requiring that most applications be determined by officers, with committees only considering the most significant or locally important cases. The report presented outlined the necessary amendments to the Council's constitution, including Parts 1, 2, and 3, and recommended these changes for adoption by Full Council. The proposed changes aim to ensure that Trafford's planning decision-making processes remain lawful and efficient while retaining a degree of local discretion through a gateway test for certain applications.

Updates to the Planning Committee Code of Practice

Following on from the discussion on the National Scheme of Delegation, a separate report addressed the necessary updates to the Planning Committee Code of Practice. This code guides how committee members, ward councillors, officers, and the public interact with the planning process. The proposed amendments focus on how the new national scheme will operate in practice, particularly concerning the Gateway Meeting process for reviewing applications that are not fully delegated to officers. The report clarified the roles of the nominated officer and nominated member in this process and outlined the procedures for Gateway Referrals by ward councillors. It was noted that lobbying of nominated officers and members regarding Gateway Decisions is prohibited to ensure the integrity of the statutory process.

Gypsy and Traveller Update

The committee received a comprehensive update on the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) communities in Trafford. Presentations and a report covered various aspects, including public health considerations, the planning system's approach to GRT accommodation needs, and the management of illegal encampments.

The report highlighted that the GRT population in Trafford is relatively small but likely undercounted, with particular challenges in data collection for Roma communities. It was noted that GRT communities nationally experience significant health inequalities, including lower life expectancy and poorer mental health, often due to barriers in accessing services, fear of discrimination, digital exclusion, and wider social inequalities.

In terms of planning, the Trafford Local Plan aims to meet identified housing needs for Gypsies and Travellers, with a specific policy (Policy R5) outlining criteria for site suitability, location, and design. An allocation for five residential pitches at Philomenas Court, Urmston, was identified as a deliverable site to meet immediate and future needs.

Updates from Regulatory Services detailed the legal processes for removing unauthorised encampments, which can be time-consuming. The Greenspaces Team presented on their strategic approach to managing illegal encampments, focusing on deterrence through physical measures like soil mounds and boulder placement, particularly on frequently targeted greenspace sites. The report acknowledged that while these measures reduce access to targeted sites, displacement to smaller locations can occur, necessitating a continued borough-wide approach and investment.

Public Health provided an overview of the GRT population in Trafford, noting the younger age profile of this demographic and the challenges in GP registration. Commissioned work with organisations like Europia and Kaskosan aims to better understand and address the health needs of Trafford's Roma population through community engagement and culturally sensitive communication.

Committee Work Programme 2026/27

The committee reviewed its work programme for the 2026/27 municipal year. This included noting upcoming items such as the Leader's priorities, budget presentations, and further discussions on topics like access to council services and digital exclusion. The programme also indicated that the impact of the Renters Rights Act and other housing issues would be considered.