New national planning rules come into force on 31 October, bringing a more consistent approach to planning decisions. The new rules will enable Planning Committees to focus on developments with the greatest impact on local communities.
Planning decisions will continue to be made in line with planning law and adopted planning policies. Decisions will still take into account relevant comments received during consultation periods.
Residents, town and parish councils, community groups and other interested parties will continue to play an important role in the planning process by commenting on applications and sharing their views during consultation periods.
Under the new rules, more planning applications will be decided by council planning officers, while the council's Planning Committee will focus on larger and more significant developments.
The changes are being introduced by the Government to create a more consistent approach to planning decisions across the country.
Councillors will no longer be able to refer planning applications to the Planning Committee for determination. However, applications submitted by the council, or where councillors or officers have an interest, will still be considered by the committee.

Knitted poppies adorn Exeter’s historic Guildhall for Remembrance
Danger warning over crumbling cliffs on Devon rail route
Exeter College learner crowned South West Student Chef of the Year
Your guide to a safer Bonfire Night
Consultant national industrial action: 25-27 November 2026
Police Cadets assist alcohol test purchase operation in Torquay Town Centre
Survey seeks women’s views on safety in Exeter
Welcome for new measures to tackle Exeter street drinkers
Library staff cut as employer aims to become ‘more resilient’
Massive city centre development adapts to post-Covid habits
“We’d be using our own homes if it wasn’t for the hub” – bigger, permanent base = bigger, permanent impact
Celebrate Diwali in Exeter with fireworks, food and dancing
South Western tackles slippery rails and storm damage this autumn
Sidmouth Town Remembrance
Parish boundary changes approved for Cranbrook and surrounding areas
Double second-homes tax looks set to stay in East Devon
