The Government’s latest consultation on planning committee reform marks another significant step in its wider effort to streamline England’s planning system. Published alongside draft regulations under the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, the proposals focus on two key changes: delegating more planning decisions to officers and reducing the size of planning committees.

At the heart of the reforms is a familiar policy argument: that too many routine applications are still being referred to committee, creating delay and uncertainty in a system already under pressure to deliver housing and infrastructure more quickly. The proposed national scheme of delegation would mean more applications consistent with local policy are determined by officers, with committees reserved for cases involving wider planning significance or clear local impact.

For local authorities, greater consistency may be welcome. At present, similar applications can be handled very differently depending on local constitutions and committee thresholds. A more standardised national approach could improve predictability for applicants and reduce pressure on already stretched committee agendas.

But while efficiency is the Government’s clear objective, implementation will matter. Planning committees are not simply decision-making forums; they are often the most visible point at which residents see local democracy operating. Moving more decisions into delegated powers risks creating a perception that planning is becoming less accessible unless councils are equally clear about how decisions are made and where public input still matters.

The second strand of reform, limiting committee size, reflects a view that smaller committees lead to better decision-making and more focused debate. That may prove true in some authorities, particularly where larger committees can become unwieldy. But committee culture varies significantly between councils, and structural reform alone will not resolve wider questions about confidence in local planning decisions.

The consultation closes on 23 April, and while the technical detail is still open for comment, the direction of travel is clear: a planning system where committees play a narrower, more strategic role. The challenge will be ensuring that faster decisions do not come at the expense of public trust in how places are shaped.