About the Planning Applications Committee
The Planning Applications Committee (PAC) of the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham is a statutory body that reviews and decides on most development applications submitted to the council. It is made up of elected localgovernment councillors, chaired by a senior member of the council, and meets in public to ensure transparency and accountability.
Its remit covers a wide variety of proposals, from small home extensions to major commercial schemes, and the committee is guided by the national planning policy framework, the London Plan, and the boroughs own Core Strategies.
Role and Powers
The PACs primary responsibilities are:
- Assessing planning applications against relevant policies and material considerations.
- Determining whether to grant, refuse, or modify a proposal.
- Ensuring that any conditions attached to a consent are clear, enforceable and appropriate.
- Maintaining a public record of decisions and the reasoning behind them.
The committees powers are set out in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Where an application falls outside the committees competence for example, largescale strategic developments the decision may be referred to the London Boroughs Development Management Team or to the Mayor of London.
DecisionMaking Process
1. Submission and Validation
Applicants submit a planning application online via the Planning Portal. The council then checks that the submission is complete and that the appropriate fees have been paid. Incomplete applications are returned for amendment.
2. PreApplication Consultation
Before a formal submission, developers are encouraged to engage with the councils Planning Officers and with the local community. This early dialogue can highlight potential issues and reduce the likelihood of refusal.
3. Public Notification
Once validated, the application is advertised:
- Postnotice on the site (for most residential schemes).
- Letter to adjoining property owners.
- Online publication on the councils planning portal.
Members of the public have a statutory 14day period to submit comments or objections.
4. Assessment by Planning Officers
Planning officers prepare a report that evaluates the proposal against:
- National and Londonwide policies.
- Borough Core Strategies and Local Plan.
- Design, heritage, environmental and transport considerations.
The report includes recommended decision, suggested conditions, and a summary of any public comments.
5. Committee Hearing
The application is placed on the agenda for the next PAC meeting. The officer presents the report, the applicant may make a brief statement, and members of the public may be allowed to speak (subject to time limits).
6. Decision and Publication
The committee votes to:
- Grant Planning Permission (with or without conditions).
- Refuse the application.
- Defer the decision for further information.
Decisions are recorded in the meeting minutes and posted on the councils website within 14 days.
Meetings, Agendas and Minutes
PAC meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at the Hammersmith Town Hall, except when a public holiday falls on that day. The schedule for the next six months is published on the councils website together with the agenda and supporting documents for each application.
| Date | Venue | Agenda Link |
|---|---|---|
| 8July2026 | Hammersmith Town Hall Council Chamber | Agenda 08072026 |
| 5August2026 | Hammersmith Town Hall Council Chamber | Agenda 05082026 |
| 2September2026 | Hammersmith Town Hall Council Chamber | Agenda 02092026 |
| 7October2026 | Hammersmith Town Hall Council Chamber | Agenda 07102026 |
| 4November2026 | Hammersmith Town Hall Council Chamber | Agenda 04112026 |
| 2December2026 | Hammersmith Town Hall Council Chamber | Agenda 02122026 |
Minutes, including the committees reasoning for each decision, are available for download as PDF files within 10 working days after each meeting.
Appeals and Public Participation
If an applicant or a third party believes a decision is unlawful or unreasonable, an appeal can be lodged with the Planning Inspectorate within 6 weeks of the decision notice. The appeal process is independent of the council and may result in the original decision being upheld, modified or overturned.
How the public can get involved
- Attend meetings: Anyone may sit in the public gallery and observe the deliberations.
- Submit comments: Written observations can be sent to the planning officer before the meetings cutoff date.
- Participate in consultations: The council runs neighbourhood forums and online surveys for strategic policies that shape future decisions.
All comments are considered as part of the material considerations, and the committee must explain in the minutes how they influenced the outcome.
Contact Information
For enquiries about a specific application, or to request copies of planning documents, contact the Planning Department:
- Telephone: 02087277300
- Email: planning@hammersmith.gov.uk
- Address: Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, London, W66BD
- Office Hours: MondayFriday, 9:00am 5:00pm (excluding public holidays)
Further resources:
