Planning process

The Development Control Section deals with over 4,000 applications a year and around 100 appeals against decisions. The majority of applications are for planning permission and listed building consent but there are over 15 different types of application which can be submitted under the Planning Acts.

The Development Control Section carries out a range of activities as shown below.

Applications

• pre-application discussions
  
• notifying public and statutory consultees
  
• negotiating with applicants and objectors
  
• deciding applications
  
• appraising Environmental Impact Assessments
  
• making recommendations to the Area Planning Committees

Advisory Services

• advising whether planning permission is required
  
• providing general planning advice to the public
  
• advising on development plans
  
• holding planning surgeries

Enforcement

• investigating complaints
  
• resolving contraventions
  
• serving Enforcement and Breach of Condition Notices

Appeals

• written representations
  
• hearings
  
• local planning inquires

Mineral and Waste Planning

• monitoring mineral and waste developments
  
• review of old mineral planning permissions
  
• contributing to regional aggregates and technical advisory bodies

Please note that applications for the removal of hedgerows, works to trees in Conservation Areas and works to trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order are dealt with by the Conservation section and not Development Control. Contacts in the Conservation Section are listed towards the back of the pack.