Planning application outcomes for simple and smale scale projects are usually decided by the Planning Officer that is appointed to the application, using his/her delegated powers. For larger and more complicated projects however, a planning committee will make the decision on the application’s outcome. The planning committee is consisted of Local Authority Councillors.

Advice is given to the committee by the planning officer who has been appointed to that application, as a first point of contact for any pre-application issues. The planning officer provides a recommendation for approval or refusal and attends the committee to answer questions about his/her report.

Committee meetings are usually held between every three to six weeks and must be open to the public.