The Planning Committee of Doncaster Council met on Tuesday 22 September 2026 to discuss the implementation of a new National Scheme of Delegation for planning applications and to consider two planning applications. The meeting also reviewed recent appeal decisions.

Implementing the National Scheme of Delegation

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the implementation of the National Scheme of Delegation, a new framework introduced by the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026. This scheme, which must be implemented by 31 October 2026, aims to provide a nationally consistent approach to determining planning applications, clarifying which applications are to be decided by officers and which may be considered by the Planning Committee.

The report outlined the requirements of the Regulations, which introduce a two-tier system for decision-making. Applications listed in Schedule 1 of the Regulations are automatically delegated to officers. Other applications, listed in Schedule 2, are presumed to be delegated unless specific criteria are met, requiring agreement from a nominated officer and a nominated member that the proposal raises issues of economic, social, or environmental significance, or significant planning matters. The Council proposed local arrangements to support this implementation, including the appointment of nominated officers and members, a Triage and Referrals Practice Note, and updates to the Planning Committee Protocol. The aim is to ensure transparency, consistency, and that Planning Committee resources are focused on applications of strategic importance. The report indicated that approximately 23% of applications considered in the previous year would no longer have been eligible for committee consideration under the new arrangements.

Planning Applications for Decision

The committee was scheduled to consider two planning applications:

• Land South of South End, Thorne: This application sought full planning permission for the change of use of land from agricultural to residential, involving the siting of 31 lodges and a social hub with associated infrastructure. The report pack indicated a proposal was made to refuse planning permission based on concerns regarding flood risk, the adequacy of the Flood Risk Assessment, and the failure to demonstrate suitable strategies for foul and surface water disposal, as well as risks of environmental pollution within a Groundwater Source Protection Zone. The application was for Mr W Stead of WPS Developments. Thorne Town Council was the relevant parish council.

• 276-278 Great North Road, Woodlands, Doncaster DN6 7HN: This application was for a change of use from blank (Class E) to a bar (Sui Generis), and was retrospective. The report indicated a proposal was made to grant planning permission subject to conditions. The applicant was Mr Neil Wood. Adwick Le Street and Carcroft was the relevant ward.

Appeal Decisions

The committee was also scheduled to be informed of appeal decisions received from the Planning Inspectorate. One specific appeal decision was detailed:

• 19 Somerton Drive, Hatfield Woodhouse, Doncaster DN7 6NQ: This appeal concerned a retrospective application for the increase in height of a boundary wall to a maximum of 2 metres. The appeal was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate on 17 August 2026. The Inspector found that the development, by reason of its scale and massing, was obtrusive and visually discordant with the wider street scene, causing harm to the character of the area. It was also found to be contrary to highway safety due to restricted visibility from the vehicular access. The decision noted that the development was contrary to Policies 9, 41, and 42 of the Doncaster Local Plan (2021).

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies for absence, consideration of public and press exclusion, and declarations of interest. The minutes of the previous Planning Committee meeting held on 25 August 2026 were also scheduled for consideration.