Changes to how planning applications are decided from 31 October

The Government is introducing a new National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Functions which will apply to planning authorities across England, including Wealden.

In simple terms, the new arrangements change which applications can be considered by a Planning Committee and which must be determined by planning officers.

Some applications, known as Schedule 1 applications, will have to be determined by officers. Others, known as Schedule 2 applications, can potentially be considered by Planning Committee, but only through a new national gateway process.

Importantly, this does not change the ability of parish and town councils, residents or other interested parties to comment on planning applications. Your representations will continue to be considered as part of the assessment of an application.

What will change is the route by which an application can reach Planning Committee. An objection from a parish or town council, a request from a district councillor or a particular number of objections will no longer, by itself, mean that an application goes to committee.

We have now published a dedicated webpage explaining the changes in plain English, including Schedule 1, Schedule 2, the gateway process and how we will make gateway decisions transparent:

https://www.wealden.gov.uk/planning-application-changes-31-October-2026