Tewkesbury Borough Council has reluctantly approved changes to planning regulations that will come into effect on 31 October, drawing criticism from councillors who fear the alterations will undermine local democracy. The updated national scheme of delegation aims to clarify the roles of planning committees and council officers by restricting controversial planning decisions to committees, while routine or less contentious matters will be delegated to officers.
Council leaders expressed frustration at what they viewed as a government-imposed overhaul diminishing their powers. Several councillors compared the changes to a “Big Brother” style intervention, referencing George Orwell’s novel to describe the perceived erosion of local authority autonomy.
Deputy leader Sarah Hands emphasised the legal necessity of the updates to ensure the council complies with national planning law. She explained that failing to adopt the changes could lead to judicial reviews, overturned decisions, and significant legal costs, as well as damage to the council’s reputation.
READ MORE: Royal Mail addresses post delay concerns in Gloucestershire
READ MORE: Fuel prices at Gloucester Services nearly £20 higher than nearby Asda
Long-serving planning committee member Councillor Robert Vines criticised the new framework as a top-down directive stripping away councillors’ ability to consider diverse perspectives on development proposals. He expressed his resignation to vote in favour despite personal objections, citing the lack of choice under the new system.
Councillor Ian Yates echoed the sentiment, describing the loss of democratic input as “uncomfortable” but unavoidable to remain within the law. Councillor David Gray condemned the changes as “shameful” and warned of a retreat from democratic principles in local planning decisions imposed by Whitehall.
Green Party Councillor Matt Dimond-Brown acknowledged his urge to oppose the measures but accepted the inevitability of complying with them, highlighting the disconnect between councillors’ efforts and the restrictions placed upon them.
Independent Councillor Mike Sztymiak lamented the reforms as symbolising the “death knell” of local democracy, concerned that the public would see these changes as reducing councillors’ ability to represent their constituents fully. He predicted the new system would raise questions about transparency and openness in planning processes.
Despite the reservations, the council endorsed the constitutional adjustments and resolved to communicate its dissatisfaction formally to the Government. Under the new scheme, minor developments such as plans for up to nine homes on sites smaller than 1.23 acres, small commercial ventures, and certificates of lawfulness will be determined solely by officers. Larger proposals, including developments of 500 or more homes or those with substantial floorspace, listed building alterations, and protected tree works, may be decided by either officers or planning committees.
A designated panel comprising a nominated officer and councillor will decide whether applications are referred to the planning committee, balancing the new delegation structure with elements of local oversight.