How we Process an Application

Step 1

When a planning application is received, it is sent through to a planning officer who vets the application, making sure that all the necessary information to assess the application has been submitted.

Step 2

If all the necessary information has been received then the application will be validated and allocated to a case officer. A letter will be sent out to the applicant/agent stating that the application is valid, and giving the name and contact number of the planning officer.  

Once the application has been validated, consultation letters will be sent out to neighbours and relevant statutory bodies.   The planning officer will visit the site and assess the application, taking account of the consultations.

If there is insufficient information, then the application will be made invalid and a letter will be sent to the applicant/agent requesting further information.  

Step 3

The Council aims to determine minor applications within 8 weeks and major applications within 13 weeks from the date of validation. An application is deemed major when it consists of the erection of 10 or more dwellings or 1,000sqm of commercial floorspace or more. All other applications are deemed minor applications.

Step 4

If the application is a minor application, where there has not been a significant amount of objections or public interest, then the application can be determined by the Planning Department under delegated powers. If the application is a major application, or has generated a significant amount of objections/public interest, then the application will be reported Planning Committee with a recommendation from the case officer. The Planning Committee is made up of local councillors, who will assess the case and make the final decision.

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Page updated: 28 Feb 2007