Government strips Cherwell of sole control over major planning applications over performance concerns
15/06/2026
Developers of larger schemes can now bypass the council
Cherwell District Council has lost the ability to control deciding major planning applications locally following concerns about its performance. Developers can now apply directly to the Secretary of State through the Planning Inspectorate.
A notice issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government states that the Secretary of State considers the authority is “not adequately performing” its role in handling planning applications for major developments.
The designation came into force at 9am today (Monday June 15) with no end date set.
The decision follows an assessment of the council’s performance over a two-year period ending on March 31, 2025, alongside planning appeal decisions up to December 31, 2025.
As a result of the designation, developers proposing major schemes in the district will be able to submit planning applications directly to the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State, rather than through Cherwell District Council.
The Government’s designation process is designed to address concerns over the speed and quality of planning decisions made by local authorities. Councils can be designated if they fail to meet national performance thresholds for determining major applications or if a significant proportion of their decisions are overturned on appeal.
The notice, signed by Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook MP, states that the Secretary of State believes it is appropriate to designate Cherwell “in respect of applications for planning permission for major development”.
The designation applies only to major development proposals and does not affect the council’s responsibility for determining the vast majority of planning applications, including house extensions and smaller developments.
The move comes following the news that Councillor Jean Conway had criticised her collegaues for the way they were dealing with planning applications.
Banbury FM has invited the council to comment on the situation.
In response to the news MP Sean Woodcock said: “It’s been patently obvious for a long time that the leadership of Cherwell District Council is not fit for purpose when it comes to planning. This decision will ensure that taxpayer’s money is looked after properly, and that much needed homes are actually delivered.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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