The Planning and Transportation Committee of the City of London Council met on Tuesday 8 September 2026. The committee discussed reforms to planning committees, changes to controlled parking zones, and the adoption of a planning advice note on heat network supply zones.

Reform of Planning Committees

The committee addressed reforms to the planning system mandated by national legislation, requiring changes to governance arrangements by 31 October 2026. Following review and member engagement, the committee moved towards adopting a panel system for planning committees. The committee also agreed to continue mandating in-house training for elected members of the Planning Applications Sub-Committee until national certification frameworks are released. Amendments to the Officer Scheme of Delegations and the Planning and Transportation Committee's Terms of Reference were discussed.

Controlled Parking Zone and Parking Tariff Changes

A review of the City of London's Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ), which had not been updated in 17 years, was presented. Following public consultation, the committee discussed proposed changes aimed at modernising parking controls and tariffs. Key proposed changes included:

• Sundays: Current arrangements will be retained, with no on-street parking charges or single yellow line restrictions.
• Weekdays: On-street and off-street hourly tariffs will commence at 7am, and single yellow line restrictions and on-street hourly tariffs will extend to 8pm.
• Saturdays: CPZ hours will align with weekdays (7am-8pm), with an hourly tariff until 1.30pm and a one-off parking charge for any duration thereafter.
• Tariffs: A three-year pricing strategy for on-street and off-street hourly tariffs was proposed, including a 5% annual increase.
• Resident Permits: A 25% reduction in off-street resident permits was proposed for implementation in 2027. Residents of the Barbican Estate were discussed in relation to their eligibility for new or additional resident parking permits in the City's public car parks, with existing permits to be honoured.

These changes, estimated to cost £135,000 for implementation, will be funded from the On-Street Parking Reserve. Officers will proceed with the formal statutory consultation process for the on-street changes, with implementation anticipated in spring 2027.

Planning Advice Note - Heat Network Supply Zones in the Thames Policy Area

The committee discussed the adoption of the Planning Advice Note (PAN) on Heat Network Supply Zones in the Thames Policy Area. This PAN provides guidance on plans for heat supply from the Thames, impacting development within the Thames Policy Area. It highlights relevant planning policies, regulations, and studies, and advises applicants to engage with the City of London Corporation Planning Team and other stakeholders early in the process. The PAN addresses considerations for river source heat pumps, thermal barges, and strategic heat main projects. If adopted, the PAN will serve as a material consideration in planning decisions.

Other Matters

The committee noted the Annual On-Street Parking Accounts 2025/26, which detailed a surplus of £12.670 million applied to fund approved projects, leaving a remaining surplus of £61.056 million in the On-Street Parking Reserve. Information was also received on the Heat Network Zoning - Zone Coordination Body (ZCB) - Strategic Options Appraisal, indicating a preferred option for the City Corporation to undertake the ZCB role in partnership with neighbouring local authorities. A Report of Action Taken was also noted, detailing decisions made outside of formal committee meetings.