Homeowners planning extensions, loft conversions and other improvements could receive faster planning decisions following major changes to the way applications are handled across England.
New national planning rules came into effect on 31 October 2026, changing which applications are decided by planning officers and which can be referred to a council’s planning committee.
The changes are designed to speed up straightforward applications, reduce unnecessary delays and allow planning committees to concentrate on larger and more complex developments.
For homeowners considering extending or improving their property, the reforms could mean a simpler and potentially quicker route through the planning process.
What has changed?
Under the new National Scheme of Delegation, many routine planning applications will now be determined directly by professional planning officers rather than being referred to a planning committee.
This includes many common householder applications, such as extensions and alterations, as well as a range of smaller residential and commercial developments.
Previously, the circumstances in which an application could be referred to a planning committee could vary between local authorities.
The new national system is intended to create greater consistency in how applications are dealt with across England.
Importantly, the changes affect who makes the final decision on certain planning applications. They do not remove the need for planning permission where it is currently required, nor do they guarantee that an application will be approved.
Could homeowners get planning decisions more quickly?
That is one of the main aims of the reforms.
Waiting for an available planning committee meeting can add time to the decision-making process. Allowing straightforward applications to be determined by planning officers removes this additional stage in cases covered by the new rules.
The Government says householder applications account for nearly 70% of planning applications each year, meaning the changes have the potential to affect a significant number of homeowners.
For someone planning an extension, loft conversion or other major improvement, a quicker decision could make it easier to organise architects, builders and other trades involved in the project.
AI is also being introduced to speed up planning
The changes to planning committees are not the only measures being introduced.
The Government is also expanding the use of new technology designed to reduce the amount of administrative work carried out by planning departments.
A new AI-assisted system called PlanAssist has been developed to bring together information including planning applications, local policies and site constraints for trained planning officers to review.
Early testing found that the technology reduced the time spent on key planning tasks by 58%.
Following trials involving Camden, Barnet and Dorset councils, PlanAssist is now set to be expanded to 15 councils for a 12-month period.
The Government has said it intends to make the technology available to every council in England by the end of 2027.
What does this mean if you’re planning an extension?
If you are considering extending or altering your home, the first thing to remember is that the planning rules themselves have not simply disappeared.
Some projects may require a full planning application, while others may be possible under permitted development rights, depending on the property, the proposed work and where you live.
Restrictions can also apply to properties in conservation areas, listed buildings and homes where permitted development rights have previously been removed.
Building Regulations are also separate from planning permission and may still need to be considered before work begins.
The new changes are primarily intended to make the decision-making process more efficient once an application is required and submitted.
Can local residents still comment on planning applications?
Yes.
The introduction of the National Scheme of Delegation does not remove the public’s ability to comment on planning applications.
Relevant planning considerations raised by residents, parish or town councils and other interested parties can still be taken into account by planning officers when assessing an application.
Planning applications will also continue to be considered against national planning policy, the relevant local development plan and other material planning considerations.
The significant change is that certain applications will no longer need to go before elected councillors on a planning committee for the final decision.
What happens to larger developments?
Planning committees will continue to have an important role.
Larger and more complex developments can still be considered by councillors where they meet the criteria set out under the new national arrangements.
The intention is to allow committees to spend more of their time considering significant developments while routine applications are dealt with by planning professionals.
A changing planning system for homeowners
The latest measures form part of wider reforms to England’s planning system aimed at speeding up decision-making and increasing certainty for applicants.
For homeowners, the practical impact should become clearer as councils begin operating fully under the new arrangements.
Anyone considering an extension, conversion or substantial home improvement should still check the requirements applying to their individual property before beginning work.
Getting advice early and understanding whether planning permission, permitted development rights or Building Regulations apply can help prevent delays later in a project.
