The Planning and Transportation Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 8 September 2026, was set to cover a range of significant topics including reforms to planning committees, changes to controlled parking zones and tariffs, and advice on heat network supply zones in the Thames Policy Area. The committee was also scheduled to receive information on annual on-street parking accounts, heat network zoning strategic options, and reports of action taken by the Town Clerk.

Reform of Planning Committees

The committee was scheduled to discuss the outcomes and proposed implementation of reforms to planning committees. This report, a joint effort by the Town Clerk, Comptroller & City Solicitor, and the Executive Director of Environment, aimed to outline new requirements stemming from the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Authority Functions) Regulations 2026. The proposals included necessary amendments to governing documents such as the Officer Scheme of Delegations and the Planning & Transportation Committee Terms of Reference. A key recommendation was the approval of Option 3: the creation of one single, dedicated Sub-Committee for planning applications, appointed via existing mechanisms, with a maximum membership of 13. This reform is intended to ensure compliance with new national legislation by the 31 October 2026 deadline, aiming for greater consistency, administrative efficiency, and legal robustness in planning decision-making.

Controlled Parking Zone and Parking Tariff Changes

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to proposed changes to the City of London's Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) and parking tariffs. The report from the Executive Director, Environment, highlighted that the CPZ, last reviewed in 2009, no longer adequately reflects current usage patterns. Following extensive public engagement, the proposals recommended retaining current arrangements on Sundays, making minor weekday changes, and extending CPZ hours and introducing hourly tariffs on Saturdays to align with neighbouring boroughs. This aims to encourage off-street parking, improve the experience for pedestrians and cyclists, and manage kerbside demand more effectively. The report also proposed three-year pricing strategies for both on-street and off-street parking charges, including a reduction in off-street resident permits and a change in eligibility for Barbican Estate residents. If agreed, these changes would proceed to a statutory consultation process, with implementation anticipated in spring 2027.

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

The committee was also scheduled to consider a Planning Advice Note (PAN) concerning heat network supply zones in the Thames Policy Area. This document provides guidance on plans for heat supply to the Square Mile, highlighting relevant planning policies, regulations, and studies. It recommends that applicants developing proposals within the Thames Policy Area engage early with the City of London Corporation Planning Team and other stakeholders regarding potential impacts on river source heat pump (RSHP) infrastructure at Walbrook Wharf, the use of Swan Lane foreshore for thermal barges, other potential barge mooring sites, and the development of Cory's strategic heat main project. The PAN, if adopted, would serve as a material consideration in the planning process but does not pre-determine the outcome of any specific planning application.

Annual On-Street Parking Accounts 2025/26

For information, the committee was to receive the Annual On-Street Parking Accounts for 2025/26 and details on related funding for highway improvements and schemes. The report from the Chamberlain indicated that the surplus from on-street parking activities in 2025/26 was £12.670 million, with £12.178 million applied to fund approved projects. The remaining surplus on the On-Street Parking Reserve at 31 March 2026 was £61.056 million, allocated towards future highway improvements and projects.

Heat Network Zoning - Zone Coordination Body (ZCB) - Strategic Options Appraisal (Gateway 2)

Another item for information was a report on the Heat Network Zoning - Zone Coordination Body (ZCB) Strategic Options Appraisal (Gateway 2). This report outlined strategic options for the City Corporation's role in a ZCB to govern a Heat Network Zone in the Square Mile. The preferred option was for the City Corporation to undertake the ZCB role in partnership with neighbouring Local Authorities, covering the Square Mile and adjacent areas. This approach aims to ensure a ZCB can be established in line with the appointment of a delivery and funding partner for Phase 1 of heat network development.

Report of Action Taken

The committee was also to receive a report of action taken by the Town Clerk outside of the committee's meeting schedule, in consultation with the Chair and Deputy Chair, in accordance with Standing Order No. 40 (a) and (b). This report typically details urgent decisions made between meetings.

The agenda also included standard items such as apologies for absence, members' declarations of interest, and minutes from previous meetings, including the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee. The committee was also scheduled to receive a resolution from the Policy & Resources Committee. Finally, the agenda indicated that the public would be excluded for certain items of business due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.