In a bid to streamline the decision-making process within local authorities, and to standardise the manner in which applications get determined, last week the government laid before Parliament the new National Scheme of Delegation, which is now due to come into force on 31 October 2026. Takeaway Points: The key takeaway points from this new legislation are as follows: The grouping of applications into Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 Schedule 1 applications must now be determined

DEFRA has announced important changes to BNG coming into effect from 6th August 2026. These changes include the following: New 0.2 hectare exemption meaning that small developments are now excluded from BNG requirements A temporary development exemption for a period of 5 years Opportunity for minor sites not exempt from the 0.2 hectare rule can now choose to proceed direct with off-site BNG (i.e. without having to demonstrate BNG through the hierarchy of on-site first) A remo