West Lancashire Borough Council Voices Opposition to New National Planning Scheme of Delegation

West Lancashire Borough Council has formally recorded its opposition to the National Planning Scheme of Delegation, which will come into effect on 31 October 2026. 

At a meeting of full Council on 14 October 2026, Councillors considered the constitutional changes required to ensure the Council complies with the new legislation introduced by Central Government.  

While members recognise the Council's Constitution will be changed to reflect the legal requirements, they unanimously voted against the National Planning Scheme of Delegation itself, expressing concern about the impact it will have on local decision-making. 

The new legislation will introduce a nationally prescribed approach to determining which planning applications can be decided by planning officers under delegated powers and which applications may be considered by elected Councillors through planning committees. 

Councillors raised concerns that the legislation reduces the discretion available to local authorities and limits the role of locally elected members in making planning decisions that affect their communities. 

Councillor David Whittington, Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council, said: 

"While we have a legal duty to implement the changes required by the National Planning Scheme of Delegation, Councillors have made it clear that they do not support this legislation.  

"Planning decisions can have a significant impact on residents, businesses and communities across West Lancashire, and we feel local authorities are best placed to understand the needs and priorities of their areas. 

"This new national approach reduces the powers available to local Councils and limits the role elected members can play in decisions affecting the places they represent. We believe local communities should continue to have a strong democratic voice in shaping development in their area." 

The Council will now update its Constitution to ensure it complies with the legislation ahead of its implementation date of 31 October 2026. 

West Lancashire Borough Council remains committed to representing the interests of local residents and ensuring their voices continue to be heard in the planning process.