29 May 2025The government has published a consultation on proposals aimed at reforming site size thresholds in the planning system in England, particularly for housing developments.
In very broad terms, the proposals would create a three tiered structure for the determination of planning applications:
- Minor – anything which does not fall within either medium or major definitions (i.e. sites under ten dwellings or less than 0.5ha if no number is known)
- Medium – where the number of dwellings to be provided is between ten and 49, and the site is less than 1 hectare (and if there is no known number of dwellings, the site is between 0.5 and 1 hectares)
- Major – where the number of dwellings to be provided is 50 or more or the site is more than 1 hectare
In practice, the proposals will have limited impact on major planning applications, which will be treated much the same as present. They would see, however, significant changes to medium and, to a lesser extent, minor planning applications, which will see requirements ‘removed’ and ‘streamlined’.
For medium sized planning applications, this would include simplifying regulations such as Biodiversity Net Gain and Section 106 agreements, and requiring that such applications be delegated to planning officers for a decision. Only in very special circumstances would they be determined by a local authority planning committee.
SLCC intends to respond to the consultation. If you would like to contribute to our response, please send your comments by email to Andrew Towlerton, SLCC National Planning Advisor, at [email protected] by close of play Monday 4 July 2025.
Read more information about the consultation here. Please note the consultation closes on 9 July 2025.
