The Scheme of delegation is the rulebook that sets out who makes the decision in relation to planning applications, appeals and enforcement investigations.
We handle around 2,500 planning applications and 600 enforcement investigations each year. Under the national scheme of delegation which applies from 31st October 2026, most planning applications and enforcement matters are decided by officers, under delegated powers. Only certain types of applications can be considered by the Planning Committee, and these must first pass a gateway test.
Applications will be split into two schedules, known as schedule 1 and schedule 2.
Schedule 1 applications will always be decided by officers and cannot go to the Planning Committee.
These make up around three-quarters of all applications and include:
- Householder applications (such as extensions, garages and fences)
- Minor residential developments (1-9 homes)
- Minor commercial developments
- Reserved matters for smaller outline permissions
- Prior notifications and prior approvals
- Permission in Principle applications
- Applications to vary conditions or planning obligations
- Non-material amendments
- Applications to discharge conditions
- Lawful Development Certificates
- Certificates of Appropriate Alternative Development
Schedule 2 applications that may be considered by Planning Committee, if they pass the gateway test include:
- Major developments (10 or more homes and larger commercial schemes)
- Reserved matters for larger outline permissions
- Listed Building Consent applications
- Applications to vary conditions or planning obligations
- Advertisement consent applications
- Tree Preservation Order (TPO) applications
Exceptions
Some applications that would normally be Schedule 1 can be considered through the gateway test, including:
- Applications linked to Listed Building Consent
- Certain retrospective applications
- Applications made by councillors, relevant Council employees, or in some cases the Council itself
Find out more about application types on GOV.UK.
What is the gateway test?
A nominated officer (the Director of Planning & Placemaking or Head of Planning) and nominated member (normally the Chair of the Planning Committee) will decide whether an application should remain under delegated powers or be considered by the Planning Committee.
An application will only go to Committee where it is agreed the proposal:
- raises a significant planning, economic, social or environmental issue.
- raises a significant planning matter, having regard to the Council’s adopted planning policies and any other material planning considerations.
Gateway test outcomes
Where a gateway test is required, the outcome will be published on the Planning Register.
Other planning matters
Some other applications, such as tree works in conservation areas and EIA screening or scoping opinions, and enforcement matters are not covered by the national scheme. These will normally continue to be decided by officers unless they are contrary to planning policy or are particularly controversial.