Planning
We urge everyone to get advice before undertaking any form of development including apparently simple things like fences/walls/gates, signs and advertising, and common forms of development such as loft conversions. There is a section on self-help below including relevant information on those issues which occur most often.
Self help planning resources
Common Problems
The most common problems that owners/developers run into are listed below. The links provide important sources of help: -
Assuming that loft extensions don't need planning permission
Constructing Walls and Fences over 1m in height
Understanding how the new Shortlands Village Conservation Area affects development
Click and collect facilities (lockers). Legislation (Class C)is quite prescriptive on these
More self-help resources
Here are some other planning resources for self-help: -
Introduction to Planning Issues (Word, 2MB)– Everything you always wanted to know about planning but were too afraid to ask. Now rather dated but still helpful
Some very old documents:-
Notes for developers and architects – storage and collection of refuse
The Building Regulations – drainage and waste disposal
Revised Standard Planning Conditions – draft from December 2008
Regarding the planning conditions document, we believe these are the current Planning Conditions that can be applied to new developments in order to control how they are actually built.
The ‘Manual for Streets’ details how new developments should relate to the street.
Council decision making
Most applications are made by a Council Officer. Larger applications are made by Committee. The Council has two Plans Sub-Committees allowing a meeting to be held every four weeks. They consider contentious or ‘called-in’ planning applications, alleged contraventions of planning law and tree preservation. You can contact your Ward Member who may be able to assist you.
The public are able to speak at these meetings (one person in support and one person in objection to an application) provided they give sufficient notice to Democratic Services. See the agenda for the relevant meeting on the Council's website for further information.