Major planning applications: government designation
Cherwell District Council has been designated by the Secretary of State under Section 62A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 in relation to its handling of major planning applications.
This designation took effect from 15 June 2026 and will remain in place until it is formally withdrawn.
What this means
The designation relates specifically to applications for major development (for example, larger housing schemes or commercial developments) submitted on or after 15 June.
While the Council will continue to determine planning applications as normal, the designation introduces an additional option for applicants:
- Applicants for major development can continue to apply to Cherwell District Council, or
- They can choose to apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) for a decision.
This does not remove the Council’s planning powers, but it does provide an alternative route for determining certain types of application.
For applicants
If you are considering submitting a major planning application, you can choose to submit that application to either Cherwell District Council in the normal way, or apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS).
The benefits of applying directly to Cherwell are that we can offer a comprehensive pre-application advice service as well as Planning Performance Agreements to appropriately resource and manage major applications. We are also able to amend and negotiate on applications in accordance with our negotiating submitted applications protocol. The applicants also have a right to appeal the decision that the Council make.
If you wish to apply directly to PINS, you should review the Government’s guidance on how to apply directly to the them under Section 62A.
Applicants may wish to seek their own professional advice before deciding which route to take.
Further information: Download the Designation Notice