How Planning Applications Are Decided

To be more efficient, the Government encourages councils to allow Officers to make more decisions, particularly in the case of straightforward or less complicated cases.

In Newcastle, more than 90% of planning applications are decided under what is known as "delegated powers".  This means that the Planning Committee has given the authority to planning officers to make decisions on applications.  Applications that are decided by Planning Committee are usually those for significant developments or ones that have generated a lot of local interest. 

We have a document that explains which applications can be decided by Officers and which applications need to be taken to the Planning Committee.  Details can be downloaded here.  (pdf, 50kb) (This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format. )