'Disappointing and, frankly, frustrating': Cherwell District Council placed under sanction over major planning failures

Cherwell District Council has been notified that it has now been placed under government designation after failing to meet the required standard for determining major planning applications.

The council was notified of the designation at 9am today (Monday, June 15), meaning developers of large projects can now choose to bypass the authority and instead submit applications directly to the government's Planning Inspectorate.

The decision follows a two-year assessment by Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook.

In its notice, the government said the council had been designated for “not adequately performing their function of determining applications for planning permission for major development.”

The designation follows government figures showing that just over 11 per cent of the council's decisions on major planning applications were overturned at appeal between April 2023 and March 2025 – narrowly exceeding the government's 10 per cent threshold.

Council leader Cllr Lesley McLean said the decision was based on historic performance and failed to recognise significant improvements made to the planning service over the past year.

Cllr McLean said: “This decision is disappointing and, frankly, frustrating. The government appears more interested in judging Cherwell's past performance than recognising the progress being made today.

“Cherwell is a high-growth district that has a strong track record of delivering new homes, supporting investment and creating opportunities for local people.

“Residents expect major decisions affecting their communities to be shaped by local knowledge and local accountability. This designation creates a route for those decisions to be made by the Planning Inspectorate, outside the local democratic process.

“Our focus remains unchanged. We will continue serving and listening to our communities, continue improving our planning service, and continue delivering the homes, jobs and opportunities that make Cherwell one of the country's most successful growth districts.”

The council says it has strengthened decision-making, increased capacity and improved governance since the assessment period. It believes its current performance is now below the 10 per cent threshold and is seeking to have the designation removed as soon as possible.

The designation applies only to major developments and does not affect the council's role in determining the vast majority of planning applications, including home extensions and smaller schemes.

Banbury MP Sean Woodcock criticised the council's leadership following the government's decision.

He 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.”

Cllr Rebecca Biegel also criticised the authority's handling of planning matters and has called for better quality planning decisions from the council.

She said: "The shambolic leadership and inadequate planning steer shown by the LibDem led administration has finally led to Cherwell District Council being designated and losing its power to decide major planning applications.

“This is a disappointing outcome coming on top of previously published, eye-watering appeal costs to the council.”