Planning committee reform consultation

The government is seeking views on its proposals for reforming planning committees in England.

The government’s objectives are to:

a) encourage developers to submit good quality applications which are compliant with plan policies;

b) allow planning committees to focus their resources on complex or contentious development where local democratic oversight is required and a balanced planning judgement is made;

c) ensure planning committee members get the training and support they need to fulfil their duties effectively; and

d) empower planning professionals to make sound planning decisions on those cases aligned with the development plan.

One of the main changes proposed by the new bill could reduce the influence that residents have in the planning process.

Currently, if more than five public comments or a valid petition are submitted - either objecting to or supporting a planning application that goes against a planning officer’s recommendation - the application must go to planning committee for a decision by elected councillors.

Under the proposed reform, this rule would be removed. Public comments or petitions would no longer trigger a committee decision.

If it is important to you that you have your say on what development is permitted in Hastings, please make sure you share your views by 23 July 2025. 

More information on the proposed changes and details of the questions can be found on the government’s website.

How to respond

You can respond by completing the government’s online survey.

Alternatively, you can email your response to the questions to planningcommittees@communities.gov.uk, or you can write to:

Planning Committees Consultation
Planning Development Management
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Planning Directorate
3rd Floor, North East
Fry Building
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF

Please make it clear which questions you are responding to.

When you reply, it would be useful if you confirm whether you are replying as an individual or submitting an official response on behalf of an organisation and include:

• your name
• your position (if applicable)
• the name of the organisation (if applicable)
• an address (including postcode)
• an email address
• a contact telephone number. 

The consultation is open until Wednesday 23 July 2025.