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What the notice usually states

Most UK local planning authorities print a decision line near the top of the notice that names the decision-maker: "decided at Planning Committee on [date]" or "decided under delegated powers" are common forms. The wording varies by council.

If the notice is silent or ambiguous, say so — do not invent the route from a neighbour comment or the fact that the application was large. DecisionBrief refuses to invent decision facts if the published notice does not state them.

Delegated decision wording

Typical patterns on notices where an officer decided under delegated authority:

• "This application has been determined under delegated powers."
• "Decided by [Officer Title] under the Scheme of Delegation."
• "Delegated decision — [date] — [Officer name/title]."
• "Decision made under delegated authority on behalf of the Council."

Some councils name the delegated officer; others state only that delegation was used. Either form is a delegated decision if the text says so.

Committee decision wording

Typical patterns on notices where the planning committee decided:

• "Decided at Planning Committee on [date]."
• "Planning Committee — [date] — Approved."
• "This permission was granted by the Planning Committee on [date]."
• "Committee decision: [date]."

The officer report and minutes may add context, but the sealed decision notice remains the binding document. If the notice prints "Committee", that is what you quote when you read the decision route back.

Why the route matters to applicants

Knowing the decision route may be relevant for understanding local policy, timescales, or whether the decision was called in from delegation. It does not change the legal effect of the permission or the wording of the numbered conditions. A grant is a grant; a refusal is a refusal — whichever route was used.

If you think the wrong route was followed, DecisionBrief cannot advise whether to challenge. Instruct a planning consultant or solicitor.

When the notice is silent

Occasionally a published notice states the date but omits whether the decision was delegated or committee. If the route is not printed, DecisionBrief records that omission rather than guessing from application size, neighbour objection count, or officer-report recommendation. The published register or council may clarify; if not, note it and move on.

Public-interest wording patterns

For context, GOV.UK guidance on planning enforcement and the Local Government Association's committee guidance describe delegation frameworks and when applications are called to committee, but those are not readings of your individual notice. Always cite the sealed decision document first.

What DecisionBrief does with decision-route wording

On the £79 PDF, we quote the decision line from the notice if it is present — "Delegated" or "Committee [date]" or "Not stated on this notice" — and cite the page reference. We do not invent the route and we do not advise whether the route was correct. That is a plain reading, not legal or planning advice.

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Informational reading guide only. Sources: GOV.UK — ensuring effective enforcement; LGA — planning committees. Last reviewed 8 September 2026. DecisionBrief is not a local planning authority.