Councillors' Planning Powers Scrapped in Reading

Changes to planning rules have been blasted in Reading after the government removed councillors' ability to 'call-in' planning applications. The changes to the National Planning Policy Framework come into law on Saturday, October 31.

Locally the move has been called a loss for democracy. The latest example was a plan to demolish a bungalow in Newcastle Road to make way for nine terraced homes, where Cllr Dave McElroy asked for the decision to go to Reading Borough Council's planning committee. The scheme was unanimously approved, but the right for councillors to refer applications has been scrapped.

At the planning committee on October 7, Cllr Josh Williams said: "The function that allows councillors to 'call-in' planning applications to committee for decision is a vital one for local democracy, that gives a voice to the residents who we serve and keeps elected members at the heart of local decisions. It's not often used in Reading, but when it is, it gives a hugely important connection between the people of Reading and the decisions that shape the future of our town."

He added: "Our officers agree, saying, 'The ability for a councillor to call an application in to be dealt with at committee is a crucial part of ensuring democratic accountability within the planning system. It also allows the views of local residents and communities to be heard by committee and helps to build transparency and confidence in the system.'"

Williams asked: "Will the chair please update us on whether the Labour government is progressing with its damaging changes to local democracy, removing the right of councillors to call a planning application into committee?"

Cllr Jan Gavin replied: "It is not an option for us as an authority to take a decision to not comply with this law or any other law." She added: "If we did, the council would itself be acting in an unlawful manner, and it would cast very significant doubt on the legality of any action and any decisions taken by the planning committee that did not follow the new law."

Gavin said she had taken part in the consultations: "I contributed with others to Reading local planning authority's response to both the initial and follow-up consultation. I attended a forum at the Royal Town Planning Institute during the consultation stage and joined the chorus of other chairs of planning in opposing the end of councillor 'call-ins'." She conceded she had not written to Reading MPs or the local government secretary.

She noted: "The Secretary of State is mandated to review the effectiveness of the regulations within two years so by October 31, 2028." "The Local Government Association are calling to bring this date forward to October 2027, which I support." Gavin offered to write to Reading's three MPs to urge an earlier review, and councillors unanimously agreed.

In an interview after the meeting, Cllr Williams said he has asked for the data centre plan at Thames Valley Park in Wokingham Borough to be called in and now may not be able to get that decision heard by committee under the new rules.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter