PLANNING COMMITTEES

Understanding the ins and outs of how planning committees work can prove the difference between the success and failure of your planning application, as Simon Rix explains...

- SIMON RIX

Ifyou're planning a self-build or an extension, your application could be decided by a planning committee. Understanding how these committees work, when and why your application might go before one, and how to prepare can help you secure approval.

WHAT IS A PLANNING COMMITTEE?

A planning committee is a group of elected local councillors responsible for debating and deciding on certain planning applications. Every property falls within an electoral ward represented by specific councillors.

Local planning authority committees are the formal decision-making bodies for planning applications. However, the majority of decisions are delegated to planning officers, meaning they are determined without councillor involvement. Parish councils often have their own planning committees, but these are only consultative bodies and do not make final decisions. While their support isn’t essential, having it can significantly help your case.

WHEN MIGHT YOUR APPLICATION GO TO A COMMITTEE?

Most applications are decided by planning officers under delegated powers. However, if an officer intends to refuse your application, you might want to escalate the decision to the planning committee. The process of transferring decision-making from an officer to a committee is known as a ‘call-in’.

Before pursuing a call-in, it’s worth negotiating with the planning officer. However, if they are unwilling to reconsider their stance and you cannot or do not wish to modify your proposal, a committee decision may be your best course of action. And it's definitely worth considering before an appeal, as these can take much longer and could be more costly in terms of professional fees.