Committee details

National Changes to Planning Decision-Making from October 2026

 

The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 introduces national changes to how certain planning applications will be determined under the National Scheme of Delegation.

 

From 31 October 2026, many lower-complexity applications, including householder and minor development proposals (known as Schedule 1 applications), will be decided by planning officers under delegated powers rather than by Planning Committees. Committees will instead focus on larger, more complex, or more strategically significant applications. The Local Authority is therefore updating its constitution to reflect the new national requirements. Existing arrangements such as councillor call-ins and automatic committee referrals based solely on the number of objections will also be removed.

 

Further information is available in the Government’s guidance on Planning Committees and the National Scheme of Delegation: Planning Committees and the National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions: Guidance for local planning authorities in England - GOV.UK

 

The Council operates with two area-based planning committees, split on an east and west basis.

 

Eastern BCP Planning Committee comprises the following Wards:

 

Boscombe East & Pokesdown

Boscombe West

Bournemouth Central

Burton & Grange

Christchurch Town

Commons

East Cliff & Springbourne

East Southbourne & Tuckton

Highcliffe & Walkford

Littledown & Iford

Moordown

Mudeford, Stanpit & West Highcliffe

Muscliff & Strouden Park

Queen's Park

Wallisdown & Winton West

West Southbourne

Winton East

 

Planning applications falling within more than one Committee area shall be determined by the Committee in whose area contains the greater proportion of land within the red line application site boundary.

 

The Committee has the following protocols:

 

Protocol for Public Speaking / Statements at Planning Committee

 

Protocol for Site Visits at Planning Committee

 

Protocol for Planning Committee in relation to Pre Application Presentations