Kingston Reflects on Planning Changes Commencing October

Posted by UK Property Forums on 22nd September 2026 -

From 31 October 2026, new national rules will change how planning applications are decided across England.

The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and new regulations introduce the changes. They are part of the Government’s plans to increase housebuilding nationwide.

These changes aim to make the planning system faster and more consistent by allowing planning officers to manage and decide routine applications. Kingston’s Planning Committee will focus on deciding larger, more complex developments. 

Among other measures, a new gateway test has been developed which explains which applications, by law, must be determined by planning officers and which may be decided by the Planning Committee. This is largely in line with the council’s current decision-making on planning applications.

Importantly, an application which doesn’t legally have to be decided by an officer may be heard by the Planning Committee if it raises a significant issue for the local area, particularly for economic, social, environmental or policy-based reasons. For this to happen, the nominated officer and councillor must both agree that the application raises a significant issue.

The more significant change is for Kingston’s neighbourhood committees. From 31 October 2026, neighbourhood committees will no longer have the power to make decisions on planning applications. Residents will still be able to view and comment on all planning applications, and councillors will continue to play an important role in representing local views and taking part in the planning process. Neighbourhood committees will continue to be consulted on major applications and Neighbourhood Chairs/Vice-Chairs, as well as Chairs/Vice Chairs of adjoining neighbourhoods, will hold specific rights to speak at Planning Committee. 

All planning applications will continue to be thoroughly considered against national and local planning policies to ensure the best outcome for Kingston and its communities. 

Kingston’s constitution, which outlines who in the council has the authority to make decisions, will be updated to reflect these changes.

The nationwide proposals are set to be heard by Kingston Council’s Corporate and Resources Committee on 24 September and Full Council on 13 October. The changes take effect on 31 October. 

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