FAQs for Whelford residents: We know people will understandably have questions about what has happened and the support available, so we’ve helped pull together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Changes to the way planning applications are decided will come into effect from 31 October 2026, when the new National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Functions is introduced.
The changes are being introduced nationally and we are required to implement them. In simple terms, more planning applications will have to be decided by planning officers, with the Planning and Licensing Committee focusing on larger or more strategically important applications.
One of the most important changes is that a request from a district councillor to call it in, will no longer necessarily mean it can go before the Planning and Licensing Committee.
However, this does not mean that people's views will no longer be considered. Residents, town and parish councils and other organisations can continue to comment on planning applications, and relevant material planning considerations will continue to form part of the assessment. What is changing is who makes the final decision.
Under the new national arrangements, planning applications will fall into two categories: Schedule 1 and Schedule 2.
Schedule 1 applications will have to be determined by planning officers. These include householder extensions and residential developments of up to nine homes, as well as applications to discharge conditions relating to those developments.
This is an important change from the current system. Existing arrangements that can allow an application to reach committee following a councillor call-in will no longer apply to Schedule 1 applications.
This means that even if local residents, a town or parish council or a district councillor have significant concerns about a Schedule 1 application, those objections will not enable it to be referred to the Planning and Licensing Committee.
Schedule 2 includes larger or more sensitive developments, including major projects and listed building consents. There will generally be a presumption that these applications are determined by planning officers, but unlike Schedule 1 applications, they can potentially be referred to the Planning and Licensing Committee.
To do so, the application will have to pass a new "gateway test".
At Cotswold, this will be considered by the Chair of the Planning and Licensing Committee, or the Vice-chair in their absence, alongside the Head of Planning Services, or the Assistant Director for Planning in their absence.
They must agree that the application is eligible and that it raises either:
If they do not agree that the application should be referred to committee, it will be determined by planning officers.
An own-interest application is a planning application made by, or on behalf of, the Council, one of its councillors or an officer, or where the Council, a councillor or an officer otherwise has an interest in the application. These applications follow a separate process under the National Scheme of Delegation to ensure that any potential conflict of interest is identified and managed appropriately. They are not automatically decided by the Planning Committee, but may be referred to it depending on the nature and extent of the interest.
Yes. Residents, businesses, community groups, town and parish councils and other organisations can continue to submit comments on planning applications.
The changes are about how the final decision is made, rather than whether people can have their say. Relevant planning matters raised through representations will continue to be considered when an application is assessed.
Not necessarily. This is one of the most significant changes.
From 31 October, Schedule 1 applications cannot be taken to Planning and Licensing Committee
For eligible Schedule 2 applications, a district councillor can request that an application is considered through the new gateway process, but this does not guarantee it will ultimately go before the committee.
No. Representations will continue to be considered when they raise relevant planning matters.
What is changing is the connection between objections and whether an application can be considered at committee. This means it will be particularly important for anyone commenting on an application to clearly explain the planning reasons for supporting or opposing it.
For an eligible Schedule 2 application, a district councillor can still request that it is referred for consideration, but there will be a new process.
Councillors will make the request by email rather than through the existing portal. Requests will normally need to be made within 28 calendar days from notification that an application is valid, although an extension can be requested from the case officer.
The request will then go through the gateway process to determine whether the application should be considered by Planning and Licensing Committee.
The nominated councillor and nominated planning officer will consider referrals at a gateway review meeting.
For an application to go to committee, they must agree that it is eligible and meets the gateway test. If they disagree, the application will be determined by officers.
The outcome will be recorded against the relevant planning application. Referrals and their outcomes will also be reported to Planning and Licensing Committee at least quarterly.
Town and parish councils should continue to consider planning applications and submit comments as they do now.
Where a Schedule 2 application raises significant local planning issues, they may also wish to discuss these with their local district councillor. A district councillor can request that an eligible application goes through the gateway process, although this does not guarantee that it will be considered by committee.
Applications submitted by councillors and officers themselves, sometimes referred to as "own-interest applications", will automatically go through the gateway process rather than automatically being considered by committee.
Yes. The national reforms will limit planning committees to a maximum of 13 members.
At Cotswold District Council, there will also be a change if a committee vote on an application is tied. The Chair will have a casting vote. Currently, a tied application can be referred to Full Council, but this will no longer be possible.
The Council expects the changes to result in fewer applications coming before Planning and Licensing Committee, which could mean that monthly committee meetings are no longer required.
If you have any further questions please email our Democratic Services team.
© Cotswold District Council 2026