Management Services - Planning Application

Planning Application

The purpose of the planning system is to protect the environment as well as public amenities and facilities. The planning control process is administered by local authorities and exists to ‘control the development and use of land and buildings for the best interests of the community’. The levels of planning are:

• Regions set out regional policy through Regional Planning Guidance
• Structure Plans establish broad planning policies at county council level, and finally
• Local plans set out detailed policy at district council level.

There are three types of planning permission, all of which are subject to a fee that can range from hundreds to thousands of pounds, depending on the scale of the proposed project:

• Outline. This is an application for a development in principle without detail of construction, etc. Generally used for large scale developments to get mainly permission
• Reserved matters. A follow-up to an outline application stage
• Full planning permission. Sometimes referred to as detailed planning permission when a fully detailed application is made. Permission when granted is valid for six years.

If planning permission is refused then there is an appeals process, although appeal can only be made on certain matters, listed below. Appeals are made to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, the National Assembly for Wales or the Scottish Executive. Allowable reasons for appeal are:

• Properties in conservation areas
• Non-compliance with local development plan
• Property is subject to a covenant
• Planning permission already exists
• Infringements of rights of way.

Preparing and having all the necessary documents in order and applying for planning perission on your behalf will speed the process and will give you peace of mind, starting your project in time.

Feel free to contact us and one of our representatives shall get back to you as soon as possible.