27 January 2026
Following continuous improvement in the speed of processing planning applications the government have announced that Bristol's Planning Services will no longer be subject to special measures.
Bristol City Council's planning department will now be the only team handling planning applications, after the minister's approval to de-designate the authority.
Applicants who currently have applications validated by the Inspectorate will continue to have their case decided by this agency.
The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities had designated Bristol City Council's planning service in relation to the speed of decision making for non-major planning applications.
See the designation notice on GOV.UK.