We assess and make decisions on applications for planning permission for new buildings, alterations to existing buildings or for a change of use of buildings or land

 

We assess and make decisions on applications for alterations, extensions or demolition of  listed buildings

 

We assess and make decisions on applications for alterations and extensions or demolition of buildings in Conservation Areas

 

We assess and make decisions on applications for the display of advertisements

 

We consult local people and others on these applications

 

We will take people's comments into account when making a decision

 

We investigate instances where development may have taken place without planning permission or is being carried out not in accordance with a planning permission and we will take action where this work is harmful to planning policies

 

We provide free advice on planning matters

 

We provide advice on our website

 

Where an applicant appeals against a decision we will defend that decision.  You  may also be involved in that process

 

We provide road names and  numbering to new and existing properties

If you are directly affected by a proposal we will consult you by letter

 

We will make all current plans, drawings and documents available in Solutions at the Council Offices during its opening hours of 08:45am to 5:00pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 08:45am to 08:00pm on Tuesday; and 09:30am and 01:00pm on Saturday. 

 

If you make comments on an application we will take your views into consideration when assessing and making a decision on the application

 

We will let you know which officer is dealing with your application and give you their direct line telephone number and email address.

 

We will let you know of progress of the application if you contact the case officer

 

We will give you advice before you make an application either in writing or verbally

 

We will negotiate with you on how your application can be amended to overcome problems and give you the opportunity to amend the application if it is possible within the timescale

 

We will act as a "one stop shop" in dealing with other consultees.

 

We will deal with your application as quickly as possible

 

We will aim to make a quality decision taking all matters into account

Reply to letters and emails within 7 days or where a full response is needed within 28 days

 

Answer telephone calls within 11 seconds

 

Provide a planning officer or other trained staff to provide advice.

 

Deal with planning applications within the national performance criteria

Validate applications and let you know where additional information is required

 

Carry out consultations with interested parties promptly

 

Carry out a site visit to every application site early in the application process

 

Give advice about applications before and during the application process

 

Interpret planning policy and legislation and ensure that advice is given in accordance with current policy and practice

 

Provide advice in an easy to understand format

 

Maintain an up to date website

Develop and use electronic technology as an alternative means of communication and submission of applications and of delivering the service

 

Provide a responsive service in a polite and helpful way

 

 

We will ensure that our staff are polite, helpful, well informed and properly trained

 

We will ensure that a trained member of staff is available within Solutions during office opening hours to help you

 

Ensure that a professional officer is available between the hours of  8:45am and 5:00pm to give general guidance, information and advice.  If you wish to see a particular officer or arrange a private interview an appointment can be made and we will aim to offer a date and time within 5 working days

 

Ensure that you receive an acknowledgement within 7 days of receipt.  The letter will tell you the name of the person dealing with the matter and their direct line telephone number.

 

Ensure that letters, emails and faxes which require a substantive response do so within 28 days of receipt. The letter will tell you the name of the person dealing with the matter and their direct line telephone number.

 

Make available publications and guidance documents either in written form and/or on the internet that are clearly presented, easy to read and are understandable

 

Ensure that enquiries about the need for planning permission are answered within 10 working days of the receipt of a fully completed enquiry form.

 

We positively encourage discussion [in confidence if you wish] with applicants and/or their agents to give informal advice on layouts and designs before an application is made

 

Register your application within 1 day of its receipt and put copies of valid application on public deposit

 

Validate your application within 1 day of its receipt

 

Acknowledge receipt of your application and inform you who is the case officer and inform you of their direct line telephone number and email address within 3 days of validation of the application

 

By April 2006 to carry out consultations with neighbours and other parties within 3 days of receipt of the application and carry them out within 5 days prior to that date

 

Publicise applications in accordance with our Code of Practice and statutory requirements.  Advertisement of applications in the press will take place on a weekly basis

 

Make a site visit to all application sites and aim to do so within 4 weeks of receipt of the application

 

Where possible to make suggestions for changes to applications where this will overcome objections and make an application more likely to receive approval where this can be done within the statutory timescale.  Applicants will be informed within what timescale they should submit amended plans.

 

Aim to make decisions on applications in accordance with national targets by April 2007 – ie 65% of major application within 13 weeks; 65% of minor applications within 8weeks; 80% of other applications [ incl. Householder applications] within 8 weeks.

 

Issue decision notices within 1 day of the decision being made. Decision notices will clearly state the reasons for refusal or the imposition of conditions.

 

Where applications are made by an agent 2 copies of the decision notice will be provided

 

All consultees will be provided with a copy of the decision notice

 

People who made comments on the application will be informed of the decision

 

Copies of decision notices and plans will be provided as requested although a charge will be made for this service

 

Details of planning applications submitted are made available on the website via Pubic Access.