Objections to Planning Applications
Find out how planning applications are decided and how councillors can make representations or request that certain applications are considered by the Planning and Development Committee.
Planning committees and councillor referrals
From 31 October 2026, the National Scheme of Delegation introduced by central government will change how planning applications are allocated for decision. Applications will be decided either by council planning officers or by the Planning and Development Committee.
Previously, the council set its own local arrangements for deciding which applications were determined by officers and which were considered by the committee. These arrangements also allowed councillors to call in applications for a decision by the Planning and Development Committee.
Under the National Scheme of Delegation, councillors will no longer be able to call in applications for committee consideration.
The scheme places applications into two schedules:
- Applications in Schedule 1 must be decided by planning officers. Councillors cannot formally request that these applications are referred to the Planning and Development Committee. They can, however, make representations on their own behalf or on behalf of their community. Planning officers will consider these representations when determining the application.
- Schedule 2 applications will normally be decided by planning officers. In certain circumstances, an application may be referred to the Planning and Development Committee if it passes the Gateway Test.
The council has introduced a Gateway Referral Request Process for ward councillors who would like a Schedule 2 application to be considered by the committee.
A councillor must submit a written request explaining why they believe the application meets one or both of these criteria:
- it raises one or more economic, social or environmental issues that are significant to the local area
- it raises one or more significant planning matters, having regard to the development plan and any other material considerations
An application can be referred to the Planning and Development Committee only if both the council’s nominated officer and nominated member agree that at least one Gateway Test criterion is met.
To ask for a Schedule 2 application to be considered by the committee, please download complete and return the referral form available below.
Own-interest applications
In line with the National Scheme of Delegation, the council’s Constitution sets out a local process for determining Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 applications. Schedule 1 applications will generally be decided by planning officers. The Constitution also identifies the Schedule 2 applications that will be decided by officers.
The council has also introduced a referral process for own-interest applications in either Schedule 1 or Schedule 2. These applications can be referred to the Planning and Development Committee for a decision. The Gateway Test does not apply to own-interest applications, so councillors may request a referral on the basis of material planning matters.
To ask for a Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 own-interest application to be considered by the committee, complete the referral form [link to the form].
Speaking at Planning Committees
People can only address the committee on items that are on applications for the decision part of the agenda. If members of the public (objectors or supporters), applicants and agents or ward councillors wish to speak on an application on an agenda, they must contact the Head of Planning and Enforcement (or Team Leader in their absence) by email to planning@stevenage.gov.uk or by telephone 01438 242242.
Speaking slots are allocated on a first-come, first served basis.
Registration of slots can only be taken after the publication of the agenda and by 5PM, 2 working days prior to the meeting. In doing so, you must provide your contact details and also outline in writing the points you wish to raise at the meeting.
On the night of the committee, members of the public (objectors or supporters), applicants and agents or Ward Councillors who have registered a speaking slot must register their attendance with the Committee Clerk in attendance at the meeting at least 15 minutes before the meeting starts.
At the meeting
- Speakers have three minutes unless additional time is granted by the Chair or Vice Chair.
- Your views will be included in the committee report for councillors to consider.
Stay informed about committee schedules and decisions by checking the Attend a Committee Meeting page.