Glossary
Planning committees and which London cases reach them
Elected councillors who decide larger or controversial applications. Householder applications usually delegated to officers.
Elected councillors who decide larger or controversial applications. Householder applications usually delegated to officers.
A planning committee is the group of elected councillors that determines applications not delegated to officers. It meets in public, receives a written officer report with a recommendation, hears short public speaking slots and votes. Around 10% of applications nationally are decided this way.
The council's scheme of delegation sets the triggers: a threshold number of objections, a ward councillor call-in, an officer recommendation contrary to policy, applications by the council or by a councillor or officer, and major development. Householder applications reach committee mainly through objections or a call-in.
The officer presents the report, then objectors, supporters and the applicant each usually get three minutes. Councillors question the officer, debate and vote. A committee can go against the officer recommendation, but must give planning reasons — a decision without them is vulnerable at appeal and on costs.
Speaking slots are short and normally have to be booked days in advance. Three minutes is enough for two or three points, not a full case, so the written submission carries most of the weight.
Yes, typically four to eight weeks, because the case must wait for a meeting date and the report is published in advance. Where the eight-week period would be exceeded, officers normally ask for an extension of time rather than risk a non-determination appeal.
How planning committee plays out in Sutton: London Borough of Sutton (Sutton Council) maintains 17 conservation areas, the Carshalton Village Conservation Area and the Beddington Park Conservation Area among them, and there is no borough-wide Article 4 direction, so permitted development generally survives outside conservation areas. Anyone dealing with planning committee at a Sutton address is therefore working to a £548 householder application decided in 8 weeks, or a £249 prior approval over 6 weeks where planning committee still qualifies.
| Share of decisions | Around 10% |
|---|---|
| Public speaking | Typically 3 minutes per side |
| Referral triggers | Objections, call-in, contrary recommendation |
| Added time | 4–8 weeks |
| Can override officers | Yes, with planning reasons |
| Meeting | Held in public, papers published in advance |
Usually yes, for around three minutes, if you register in advance.
Yes, but it must give sound planning reasons or risk an award of costs at appeal.
Resolve neighbour concerns before objections are lodged.
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