March has seen more items come forward from the LURA and the government’s planning reform package.
Planning news:
The new plan-making system has been rolled out on 25th March, enacting the provisions in the Levelling Up Regeneration Act (LURA). The new regulation stages of the 30-month Local Plan making process have been revealed and the Duty to Cooperate has ended, due to be replaced by the proposed Spatial Development Strategies. The transitional arrangements for plans submitted under the previous system will be in place until the end of the year. MHCLG have listed the LPAs who need to start plan making under the new 30-month system.
The Wandsworth Local Plan review was adopted 3rd March, the review amended the local plan policies concerning housing mix, affordable housing and specialist housing types.
The London Borough of Harrow Local Plan 2021-2041 was adopted 24 March 2026.
DEFRA have published the Land Use Framework to better utilise and prioritise land across the country. It is unclear how this framework will be implemented across the planning system as it will not be a material consideration for planning.
On 23rd March consultation opened on the proposed locally set planning fees. Intended to recuperate costs by LPAs, the consultation document proposes a national default fee calculated at 90% of costs. The LPA could set their own planning fees depending on their cost recovery, this could also be capped at around 15-25% above the national fee cap. The consultation details the examples of costs to be covered in the planning fees. It can be applied to indirect costs including training and materials for the LPA. Without a cap based on the national figure, planning departments across the country could have wildly different fees for the same application, as is currently the case with pre-application services. We understand the need for local authorities to clawback more fee income but this needs to be matched by competent management. Too often we see poor communication and lack of engagement with cases. This is further exacerbated by the removal of the opportunity for clients to re-submit application under the free-go mechanism. If local authorities are to set their own fees, this much be met with more scrutiny over LPA performance and validation procedures. Consultation on the proposed measures closes on the 18th May 2026.
Consultation opened on the National Scheme of Delegation on 26th March. The Scheme is anticipated to come into effect at the end of September 2026. This will reduce the number of applications determined at planning committee, with the majority of minor and householder applications to be determined by planning officers. The consultation also includes measures to restrict the size of the planning committee to 13 members. Consultation ends on the 23rd April 2026.
The emergency housebuilding package was confirmed and the time limited LPG has been adopted to promote housebuilding across the capital - read our blog post on the adoption of the London Plan Guidance (LPG) unpacking the measures.
To boost housebuilding nationwide, at the end of the month the Town and Country Planning (Consultation) (England) Direction 2026 came into effect for any planning application that:
- includes the provision of 150 or more houses, flats or houses and flats; and
- is not determined by 11 May 2026
If the LPA are minded to refuse an application that meets the above criteria they must first consult the Secretary of State before determination.
WEA updates:
WEA Planning secured Permission in Principle for a mixed use residential and commercial development in Lewisham. The site currently comprises a single storey commercial unit.
We helped a client to gain permission for extensions and subdivision to create three flats in Ealing.
Gained permission for a dormer for a householder in Ealing which exceeded the size allowed through permitted development.
Gained planning permission for extensions and alterations in a Conservation Area in Camden after an earlier permission had lapsed.
WEA Planning are helping clients to navigate the constant changes to the planning system and plan making.
Contact us today to understand how the changes will impact your project.