Planning & Transport’s Planning Control Team handle planning enquiries and the processing of planning applications.  This function also covers appeals, tree work applications to protected trees on private property, planning appeals, enforcement and compliance.

Planning Applications

The Council receive about 2600 planning and related applications each year.  The majority of these are applications for planning permission.  Further information about planning permission, making a planning application, the planning application register and the process of determining applications can be found by clicking on the link above.  Information about how citizens can comment on applications and get involved with the process can also be found on these pages.

Appeals

It is possible for applicants to make an appeal if planning permission is refused, an application is not determined within the statutory time period, in respect of a condition or conditions on a grant of planning permission and in respect of an Enforcement Notice.  Further information about appeals can be found by clicking on the link above.

Enforcement

The Council have a duty to investigate complaints of alleged breaches of planning permission and to keep a register of Enforcement Notices.  Checks are also carried out to ensure that developments comply with planning permission.

Trees and Landscaping

Felling or any work to trees on private property covered by a Tree Preservation Order requires consent and the Council also need to be notified of work to any tree in a Conservation Area.   Landscaping schemes, and protection and retention of trees also need to be considered as part of the process of determining applications and implementing planning permission.

Telecommunications

Mobile phone operators have supplied ‘roll out’ plans.  These give details of where proposed telecommunications masts, antennas and other associated equipment are to be sited in the town.  In some cases planning permission is not necessary for this equipment.

Planning Control Service Charter

The Service Charter sets out the standard of service that can be expected for the Planning service offered by this Council.