Council moves to support residents under new planning rules

Bromsgrove District Council is putting new arrangements in place to support residents as nationally-mandated changes to planning decision-making come into force.

The changes are being introduced by Government as part of a new National Scheme of Delegation for planning decisions which must be adopted by October 31.

At its October 14 meeting, the district council noted its dissatisfaction with aspects of the new arrangements, particularly the reduction in local flexibility over which applications can be considered by Planning Committee. Councillors nevertheless recognised the legal duty to comply and agreed the necessary changes to the Council’s constitution.

Deputy Leader of the Council Sue Baxter, who is Cabinet Member for Planning and Strategic Housing, agreed to write to the Minister for Housing to set out the council’s position.

Cllr Baxter said: “The Government has made significant changes to the national planning system, and it is no secret that many members of this council are disappointed by what we see as a dilution of local democratic involvement in some planning decisions.

“The council’s duty remains to ensure that planning works fairly, effectively, and transparently, and that residents continue to be heard. Our focus now is making the new system work as effectively as possible for Bromsgrove District and its residents.

“That’s why we have put processes in place so residents can continue to be able draw on the representation and support of their local ward councillors, even where an application can no longer be considered by the Planning Committee under the new system.”

Under the scheme the Council's Planning Committee will continue to consider major and significant applications where they meet the criteria set out in the new national framework, while many routine applications will continue to be decided by planning officers.

The council will also review the new arrangements after six months, giving councillors an opportunity to consider how they are working in practice, identify any issues, and provide feedback.

Council Leader, Cllr Karen May, said: “Planning expertise and democratic accountability must work together, and we have made our concerns about the democratic impact of the new regulations very clear. The rules may have changed nationally, but our commitment to listening to and representing our communities has not. We will ensure residents’ voices continue to be heard.”

The papers from the meeting can be accessed on the Agenda for Council on Wednesday 14th October 2026.