Is the Move to Unitary Authorities Good for Planning and Development?

The Government is restructuring local government by replacing two-tier authorities with larger unitary authorities. Under this new system, smaller district councils will merge into single authorities managing all local services, including planning, highways, and waste collection, across entire counties. These new bodies, overseeing populations of around 500,000, raise important questions about the impact on local planning and development.

The Case for Unitary Authorities

One major advantage of unitary authorities is the elimination of fragmented planning systems. Under the current two-tier model, district councils handle planning permission, often leading to inconsistencies in strategy. A single planning authority reduces conflicting policies, streamlines decision-making, and enables the creation of a unified local plan.

Planning across a larger area also allows for better resource allocation. Many district councils struggle to maintain dedicated planning teams due to budget constraints, sometimes relying on just one or two officers. Larger unitary authorities can employ more planners, improving expertise and efficiency. They are also better equipped to recruit specialists such as ecologists and urban designers, roles that smaller councils find difficult to sustain.

The integration of all council responsibilities within one authority offers further benefits. Planning decisions are closely linked to transport and infrastructure, and housing these services under the same organisation ensures better coordination. For example, negotiating highway conditions for a Section 106 agreement is more efficient when transport and planning departments are within the same council.

Financial sustainability is another key benefit. Larger authorities have greater flexibility to manage resources, adapt to budget fluctuations, and sustain long-term planning initiatives. This is crucial in addressing the growing backlog of planning applications, as unitary authorities can allocate more staff and expertise to tackle delays.

Challenges of Unitary Authorities

Despite their advantages, unitary authorities raise valid concerns about local democracy. Decision-making may become more remote, with councillors representing much larger areas, making it harder for residents to engage in planning. Fewer councillors also mean fewer opportunities for independent and smaller party candidates, potentially strengthening national parties’ dominance.

Concerns have intensified following the Government’s decision to delay local elections in nine authorities until May 2026, provoking backlash from smaller parties expecting gains this year. A Reform UK councillor called it “Orwellian double talk,” while Lib Dem leader Ed Davey condemned it as a “disgraceful stitch-up.” Such delays reinforce suspicions that restructuring benefits major parties at the expense of local democracy.

The transition also presents technical difficulties, including merging IT systems and administrative processes, which could slow planning. Disparities between former district councils’ local plans may further complicate progress, especially where some areas are more advanced than others. Additionally, councillors and officers will face heavier workloads, overseeing larger areas that make site visits and public engagement more difficult, further distancing local government from residents.

A Necessary Step for Better Planning?

While concerns about democratic representation and the transition process are valid, the move to unitary authorities presents a significant opportunity to improve planning and development. The current two-tier system has led to inefficiencies, lack of coordination, and a severe backlog in planning applications. Larger, better-resourced councils will provide a more cohesive planning system, greater access to specialist expertise, and better integration of transport and infrastructure services.

Fewer councils may reduce opportunities for independent candidates, and local engagement could become more challenging. However, the trade-off is a planning system that is more efficient, well-resourced, and capable of delivering the housing and infrastructure the country urgently needs. If managed effectively, the transition to unitary authorities could mark a turning point in overcoming the inefficiencies that have long plagued local planning. For those frustrated by delays and bureaucratic gridlock, this reform offers a pathway to a more responsive and effective planning system.

This blog was written by Martin Jenic, Account Executive at ECF