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Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 Planning Applications

National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Applications

From 31 October 2026, all local planning authorities in England (excluding National Parks and the Broads) are required to operate under the Government's National Scheme of Delegation. The scheme introduces a consistent national approach to determining planning applications, setting out which applications must be decided by planning officers and the circumstances in which applications may be referred to Planning Committee.

The aim of the scheme is to ensure planning decisions are made at the appropriate level, improve consistency across England, and allow Planning Committees to focus on applications that raise significant planning issues.

How planning applications are decided

The National Scheme of Delegation categorises planning applications into two schedules:

Schedule 1 – Mandatory Officer Delegation

Applications within Schedule 1 must be determined by planning officers and cannot be referred to Planning Committee.

Examples include:

  • Householder planning applications, including extensions and alterations.
  • Minor residential developments of up to 9 dwellings.
  • Minor commercial development of less than 1,000 square metres.
  • Applications for the approval or discharge of planning conditions.
  • Other routine and non-contentious applications specified within the national scheme.

Schedule 2 – Presumed Officer Delegation

Applications within Schedule 2 are also determined by planning officers unless they meet the national Gateway Test for referral to Planning Committee.

Examples include:

  • Major residential, commercial and employment developments.
  • Listed Building Consent applications.
  • Applications affecting designated heritage assets.
  • Other development proposals identified within Schedule 2 of the national scheme.

Applications will only be referred to Planning Committee where they satisfy the Gateway Test and referral is agreed in accordance with the requirements of the National Scheme of Delegation.

 Flow chart titled “Planning decision making procedures from 31 October 2026” showing how planning applications are determined. There are three application routes: Schedule 1 application (except own-interest) Applications proceed directly to “Determined by officer.” Schedule 2 application (except own-interest) The process asks whether the council’s constitution states that the application type should be considered for possible referral to committee. If the constitution states that referral is not required, the application is determined by officer. If referral consideration is required, either with or without an optional local triage process, the application may enter a locally devised triage stage. During triage: If discussion is not needed and the protocol indicates the officer can decide, the application is determined by officer. If discussion is needed, or an officer chooses to discuss, a nominated officer and member consider whether the application should be tested for referral to committee. If they do not agree, or agree that committee referral is not needed, the application is tested against gateway criteria and, if the criteria are not met, is determined by officer. If they agree that referral should be considered, the gateway test statutory criteria are applied. Applications that meet the criteria are determined by committee. Applications that do not meet the criteria are determined by officer. Other application Applications follow the local constitutional arrangements and are determined by an officer or committee depending on the local constitution or agreement. The flow chart uses orange for Schedule 1 applications, green for Schedule 2 applications and processes, and yellow for other applications. Final decision outcomes are displayed in highlighted boxes at the bottom of the chart.

Planning decision-making procedures from 31 October 2026. Source: Lichfields planning and development consultancy.

 

Application Types

To help applicants and residents understand how decisions will be made and whether applications are Schedule 1 or Schedule 2, further guidance can be found on the Gov.uk website below:

Planning Committees and the National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions: Guidance for local planning authorities in England - GOV.UK

Further Information

For further information on the National Scheme of Delegation, please visit:

If you have questions about how your planning application will be determined, please contact the Planning Service using the details provided on our Contact Us page.

Last Updated on Thursday, October 29, 2026