Planning Scheme of Delegation - London
In London, England the scheme of delegation for planning sets who can decide planning applications and enforcement actions without full committee consideration. Local planning authorities in London—typically borough planning departments and the City of London Corporation—adopt a written scheme that authorises officers to determine most routine applications, while reserving major or contentious matters for committee. This guide explains how schemes usually work, where to find the official delegations, how enforcement operates, and practical steps to apply, appeal or report breaches.
How schemes of delegation work
Delegation schemes vary by local planning authority but share common features: officer decision-making limits, referral triggers (e.g., major developments, departures from policy, councillor call-in), requirements for publicity and member notification, and records of decisions for transparency.
- Typical delegations authorise officers to grant or refuse minor applications and discharge conditions.
- Applications meeting thresholds or raising policy issues are referred to planning committee.
- Decisions made under delegation are recorded and published on the authority’s website.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for unauthorised development is exercised by the local planning authority. Remedies and sanctions commonly used include enforcement notices, stop notices, breach of condition notices, injunctions, and prosecution. Precise fine amounts and escalation depend on the statutory route and court powers; where amounts are not published on the authority page, this guide notes that they are not specified on the cited page.
- Typical enforcement actions: enforcement notice, stop notice, breach of condition notice, and injunction.
- Court prosecution can result in fines imposed by magistrates or crown courts; specific figures are not specified on the cited page.
- Some penalties or remedial costs may be recoverable from the developer; the cited authority pages do not list fixed amounts.
- Enforcing body: the borough planning enforcement team or the City of London Corporation planning enforcement team; contact via the authority’s enforcement contact page.
- Appeals and time limits: appeals against enforcement notices are made to the Planning Inspectorate within the statutory period set out on the notice; exact time limits should be checked on the notice or the authority’s guidance.
Applications & Forms
Most planning permissions are submitted through the national Planning Portal or the local authority’s online application system. Local authorities publish validation checklists and application forms on their planning pages; fees and required documents vary by application type. If a specific local form or fee is not published on the cited page, this is noted below.
- Standard planning applications: submit via the Planning Portal or your borough’s online system; see the authority validation checklist for required documents.
- Application fees: set nationally for some types and locally for others; check the authority fee page for current charges.
- Where to submit: online via the Planning Portal or the local authority’s planning portal; for enforcement reports, use the local authority enforcement contact or online report form.
Practical action steps
- To check delegation: view your borough’s published scheme of delegation and referral criteria.
- To apply: prepare validated documents and submit via the Planning Portal or local portal; pay the correct fee.
- To report a breach: contact the borough planning enforcement team with photos, dates and address.
- To appeal an enforcement notice: follow the appeal instructions on the notice and notify the Planning Inspectorate as required.
FAQ
- Who sets the scheme of delegation for planning in London?
- Each London local planning authority (borough council or City of London Corporation) adopts its own scheme of delegation; strategic referrals to the Mayor of London apply for certain mayoral matters.[1]
- Can officers grant permission without committee?
- Yes, most authorities authorise officers to determine routine applications under a written scheme; applications meeting referral criteria are sent to committee.
- What penalties apply for unauthorised works?
- Sanctions include enforcement notices, stop notices, breach of condition notices, injunctions and prosecution; specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited authority pages.[2]
How-To
- Confirm which local planning authority covers the site and open its planning enforcement or delegation page.
- Check the published scheme of delegation for referral criteria and officer powers.
- Gather evidence (plans, photos, dates) for any application or enforcement report.
- Submit a planning application via the Planning Portal or local portal, or report a suspected breach to enforcement with full details.
- If you receive an enforcement notice, read the notice for appeal instructions and act within the stated time limits.
Key Takeaways
- Delegation schemes let officers decide routine planning matters, with referrals for major or contentious cases.
- Enforcement uses notices and court action; check the local authority pages for specific procedures.
- Contact your borough planning department for forms, fees and enforcement reporting.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of London Corporation - Planning services
- Greater London Authority - Planning and development
- Planning Inspectorate - Appeals and enforcement
- Planning Portal - Apply for planning permission