Tameside and Bolton councils have rejected government planning reforms, meaning from November 1 their planning committees could operate unlawfully. If no changes are made, planning officers will make all decisions in both boroughs, though the full ramifications remain unknown.
New Two-Tier System
The national scheme of delegation becomes law on October 31. Planning applications will be split into two tiers: Schedule 1 for smaller, technical applications handled by officers, and Schedule 2 for larger applications that may go to committee if agreed by the chair and chief planning officer.
For example, an attic conversion on a semi-detached house would be Schedule 1, while a skyscraper with 1,250 homes would be Schedule 2. Committees will be reduced to a maximum of 13 members, all requiring formal training.
Council Objections
Tameside Reform leader Allan Hopwood called the reforms 'egregious', claiming the chamber was being asked to vote with a 'gun to the head'. Conservative and Tameside Independent Group members shared frustrations, saying the changes removed local residents' voices.
The Labour minority administration admitted disagreement with some changes but argued adoption was necessary. Deputy leader Andrew McLaren warned that decisions after October 31 could face legal challenge, costing the council 'thousands, thousands and thousands of pounds'. Only Labour voted in favour, losing by a narrow margin.
A Tameside council spokesperson said: "The council is considering the implications of full council's decision and any appropriate next steps."
Bolton Rejects Reforms
Bolton councillors voted against the changes earlier this month. Labour's Nadeem Ayub acknowledged the changes would 'erode local democracy'. Under the new rules, developments of fewer than nine homes and small commercial schemes will be decided by officers.
Coun David Grant said: "This strips local people of their rights and voice over deciding what happens within their communities." Labour and Liberal Democrats were outvoted by Conservative, Reform UK and Green groups.
A Bolton council spokesperson said: "Other councils across the UK are in a similar position ahead of the government changes."
Legal Risks and Wider Impact
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government expects all planning authorities to follow the new rules after October 31. Non-compliant decisions may face judicial review, potentially leading to quashing of decisions.
Manchester, Salford, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Trafford and Stockport have agreed to comply. Wigan will vote at its next full council meeting in November, before any planning committee meeting after the legislation takes effect.
