The Strategic Planning Committee of Westminster Council met on Wednesday 29 July 2026 to discuss upcoming changes to national planning regulations and the council's approach to consultation and engagement. The meeting's agenda focused on how these new regulations will affect the council's planning processes and how the public will be involved in future planning decisions.

Implementing the National Scheme of Delegations

The committee was scheduled to receive an overview of government reforms that will introduce a mandatory National Scheme of Delegation for planning decision-making. These changes, stemming from the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026, are set to come into force on 31 October 2026. The report outlined the implications for Westminster, including proposed amendments to the council's constitution and governance processes.

The new scheme will establish a two-tier system for determining planning applications. Applications listed in Schedule 1 of the Regulations will be automatically delegated to officers for determination. These include householder developments, minor residential and commercial developments, and the discharge of conditions. Applications in Schedule 2, such as major applications and those involving listed buildings or trees, will be presumed delegated but can be referred to committee if specific criteria are met. These criteria require agreement from both the Chief Planning Officer and a Nominated Member that the proposal raises significant economic, social, or environmental issues for the local area, alongside substantial planning matters. The report noted that member call-in powers, such as those based on the number of objections, will no longer be applicable under the new regulations.

Officers estimated that approximately 38% of applications considered by the committee in 2025-26 would no longer have been eligible for committee consideration under the new arrangements, suggesting a potential reduction in committee caseload. The report recommended that members note the introduction of the National Scheme of Delegation, the statutory requirement for its implementation by 31 October 2026, and the ongoing work to implement these changes.

Consultation and Engagement Approach for Planning in Westminster

The committee was also scheduled to review the implications of recent changes to the national planning system, specifically The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026, for planning policy and consultation activities in Westminster. These regulations introduce a new, structured five-stage process for preparing Local Plans, with a statutory 30-month timeframe and enhanced early engagement requirements.

The report detailed that Westminster is preparing a new City Plan under this framework and is currently in the initial 'Get Ready' stage. This involves publishing a plan timetable, providing notice of intention to prepare the plan, undertaking early evidence gathering, and conducting a public scoping consultation. The council has reviewed and updated its planning policy engagement framework, resulting in a new document titled 'Consultation and Engagement Approach for Planning in Westminster'. This document aims to provide a clear framework for stakeholder participation in the preparation of the new City Plan and future planning policy work.

The updated approach reflects the new legislative requirements, including the removal of the statutory requirement for a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI). Instead, the council will produce separate documents for planning policy and development management matters. Key changes in the 'Consultation and Engagement Approach for Planning in Westminster' include updated legislative references, expanded guidance on consultation at each stage of the City Plan process, and an updated range of engagement methods, such as the use of Commonplace as a digital engagement platform. The report recommended that members note the newly introduced plan-making system, its implications for the council's Planning Policy function, and the updated consultation documentation.