They may not have to consult about WP, but changing the Method of Operations does need some consultation.
Swanwick was touted not only on the basis that it could handle more traffic, but that it was inherently safer. Two people (or more) listening carefully to each frequencyfor instance.
Now although it isn't possible for the planner to listen to the RTF ALL the time, he or she can monitor it for MOST of the time, and they, and the Assistant do have a Radar display so they can actually see what is occuring.
Going to SMOPs immediately removes that carefully planned and approved (by CAA ATSSD) safet net. In some ways it makes the safety case worse. One person with many different tasks and very little support. (The LAS does not count. They ARE NOT always immediately available at the best of times... at night? Forget it)
Can't see a safety gain here myself. I can see a management looking for expedient ways to keep sectors open without the proper manning.
Following the tragic accident at Uberlingen, this seems at best ill concieved.
rgds BEX