These changes affect how some planning decisions are made, how national planning policy is applied and how local plans are prepared.
This page explains what is changing and what it means for Elmbridge.
Changes to planning decision-making
From 31 October 2026, new national rules will change how planning applications are decided across England.
The government has introduced a National Scheme of Delegation, which sets out which planning applications must be decided by planning officers and which can be considered by a planning committee.
Most planning applications in Elmbridge are already decided by planning officers. Planning officers will continue to assess applications using national planning policy and local planning policies.
Residents will still be able to comment on planning applications and those comments will continue to be taken into account when decisions are made. Applications that meet specific criteria may still be considered by councillors at a planning committee
These changes are being introduced nationally and all councils must implement them.
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
The government published an updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on 17 August 2026.
The NPPF sets out the government's planning policies for England and provides guidance on how planning decisions should be made.
Local planning authorities must take national planning policy into account when preparing local plans and determining planning applications.
You can read the latest NPPF on GOV.UK.
New local plan-making system
The government has introduced a new system for preparing local plans across England.
According to government guidance,
The English planning system is plan-led and the government is committed to achieving universal local plan coverage. Reform of the plan-making system is necessary to introduce a faster, clearer and more accessible process for preparing plans.
The new system came into force in March 2026 and introduces a more consistent approach to preparing local plans. Local planning authorities are encouraged to begin preparing plans as soon as possible.
What this means for Elmbridge
Elmbridge is required to begin preparing a new local plan by 31 December 2026.
Work is already underway to progress a new local plan and gather the evidence needed to support future planning policies.
An up-to-date local plan helps ensure that decisions about homes, employment, infrastructure and the environment are based on local priorities as well as national policy.
Find out more about the council's progress towards preparing a new Local Plan.
Why local plans are important
Government regulations require local planning authorities to begin preparing a new local plan within 5 years of adopting their previous plan.
Having an up-to-date local plan helps ensure that planning decisions are guided by policies developed for the local area.
If councils do not keep their Local Plans up to date or fail to make sufficient progress, the Secretary of State can intervene and direct how the plan is prepared.