Guidance for councils : Opening up access to planning information

London Forum has published Guidance for Councils on access to planning application information.

From 31st October 2026, the National Scheme of Delegation will send even fewer applications to committee, and the Forum fears decision-making will become less transparent. Drawing on best practice already in use by some councils, the guidance covers pre-application advice, clearer notices, full publication of comments and objections, access to case officers, more detailed officers’ reports, committee procedures, appeal notifications and timely publication of Section 106 agreements.

We encourage member societies to send it to their local council and ask it to adopt these practices.