Once the application is made, there are essentially six key stages of the process as summarized below.
STAGE 1
Validation
duration 1-2 weeks
Once made, the application will be checked to ensure all documents and fees have been submitted and any omissions will be requested before processing can start.
Shortly after the application has been validated, the Council will normally notify you or your Agent of the decision date that the application should be considered by. This is generally 8 weeks after it has been registered and we will advise you of this date once received.
STAGE 2
Consultation and Publicity
duration 3-4 weeks
Once the application has been validated, consultations are sent to various bodies to obtain their views. This usually includes experts such as the highways department and, if applicable, may also include Conservation or Listed Building Officers and the Parish Council.The Council will also write to your immediate neighbours that they consider will be affected by the proposal and any Local Residents Associations.
STAGE 3
Consideration
duration 3-4 weeks
Once the consultation period has ended, the site is inspected and the application assessed by the Case Planning Officer, taking into account planning policies, consultation responses and public representations.
The case officer will normally only contact you to advise of this inspection if access is required.
STAGE 4
Negotiation
duration 1-2 weeks
In some cases, where the application raises fundamental concerns, the planners will be unable to consider amended plans during the determination of a planning application. Most planning applications (unless they are major applications) need to be determined within eight weeks and if major changes were made, then people would have to be consulted again on those changes and the planning application would not be able to be determined within the time scale laid down by the government.
STAGE 5
Recommendation
duration 1-2 weeks
The Case Planning Officer will make a recommendation to the person or body authorised to make a decision. This will either be the Planning Control Committee or an individual to whom authority to make a decision has been delegated. If the application is to be decided at a Committee meeting, the objectors and the applicant will be contacted to be advised of the time and venue and of any arrangements to enable them to take part. Such meetings are held in public and all interested parties are free to attend and observe how a decision is reached. Public speaking is also permitted.
STAGE 6
Decision
duration 1-2 weeks
A decision is taken on the application either by the Planning Control Committee or The Chief Planning Officer.
If your Planning Application is approved, a certificate will be sent to you or your Agent which you should keep in a safe place as it may be required when the property is sold. You are then able to complete and finalise the Building Regulations approval before proceeding with the work.
