AN Essex council has had its planning powers restored three years after the Government raised concerns about “poor performance” in how it made decisions on major applications reports the Local Democracy Reporter.

Uttlesford Council has been handed back its full ability to decide on planning applications, which it says shows it has “made improvements to its planning performance”.

It means developers can no longer apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate and must once again go through the council’s planning process.

In February 2022, the Government reduced the council’s powers to decide major planning applications. Then, in December 2023, the then Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, slammed Uttlesford Council for being among the seven “worst” councils in the country for failing to meet planning and development targets.

Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, praised the council in a letter. He said: “I have reviewed the information provided in your letter of March 24, 2025. I am pleased to note your authority has made significant progress in addressing the identified issues and has evidence of sustained improvement in performance.

“Based on the most recent quarter for which data on planning decisions is available, for the 24 months to the end of March 2024 and subsequent appeals decisions to 31 December 2024, 4.5 per cent of your authority’s major applications were overturned at appeal, which is below the 10 per cent threshold. Therefore, I am satisfied that the de-designation criteria have been met.”

John Evans, Uttlesford Council’s councillor for planning, said: “This announcement is fantastic news and a vote of confidence in the council and the significant progress that has been made within the planning service.

“It ensures local voices remain at the heart of decision-making and takes back control for residents who can be reassured they are getting a planning service they value – one that supports appropriate major development whilst guarding against speculative planning applications that are unsuitable for our rural communities. However, we will not be complacent and will continue to drive improvements with our planning service at every opportunity.”