Understand
Opposition grows among councils in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire to new rules on planning applications
Overview
Opposition is growing among councils in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire regarding the government's new National Scheme of Delegation, which requires planning officers rather than elected councillors to decide most planning applications. While the government states the move will improve efficiency and consistency, some local councillors have criticised it as undemocratic and a loss of local say. Despite votes against the changes, such as at Central Bedfordshire Council, officials have noted that the national regulations will still apply across the country from 31 October.
Key points
- The government's new National Scheme of Delegation means unelected planning officers will decide most planning applications instead of elected councillors.
- The government states the changes will increase consistency, speed up the planning process, and reduce appeals.
- Central Bedfordshire Council voted against changing its constitution to reflect the rules, with councillors raising concerns about the loss of local democracy.
- A council monitoring officer confirmed that the national scheme will still apply from 31 October regardless of local council votes.
- Other local authorities, such as Dacorum Borough Council and Broxbourne Borough Council, have moved to update their constitutions to align with the new rules.