The council must undertake a 21 day consultation period for all planning applications received, once they have been validated.
The type of application will determine what type of consultation will take place. During this period, everyone will have an opportunity to comment on the proposals.
Details on how to comment on a planning application can be found on our website. During the period of consultation no decision can be made on the application.
We may use one or more of the following methods to fulfil our duty to consult:
Letter: Any property that shares a boundary with the application site will be sent a letter advising them of the planning application. The planning officer may also decide to consult with other properties in the vicinity if it is felt necessary. Letters will also be sent to the local parish council, elected councillors and any statutory consultees such as the Highways Agency, amenity groups and specialist officers, for example our tree or conservation officers.
The press: Some applications will be advertised in the local paper. These may include applications that affect listed buildings or are a departure from local planning policy.
Site notice: A notice will be displayed on or near to the application site to inform the public that an application has been received.
Online: All registered planning applications are available to view on our Public Access system.
Letters are sent to all properties which directly adjoin the proposed development site.
If it is believed other properties may be affected by the development these may also be notified.
As a rule we do not send out notification letters for Prior notifications. This can include things like agricultural buildings, telecommunications and demolitions, or for Certificates of Lawfulness.
We have a duty to request professional advice from a variety of consultees when an application meets a certain criteria. This includes organisations like:
In all cases a full set of plans will be sent to the relevant parish, town or city council.
The purpose of site visits is to help the planning team make a clearer and better informed decision about the application.
Officers will generally carry out a site visit for all planning applications received. You do not need to attend the site visit, provided that officers can access the area of the site which is being considered. However, if the area is not accessible, they may need to contact you to arrange an appointment.
Officers will consider a number of issues during their site visit and may also want to view the site from the neighbouring land or properties to fully understand any potential impacts. They check:
They may also identify concerns that were not picked up initially in the application and they may choose to consult additional specialist areas.
They also note any other comments and examine whether any additional neighbours or consultees may need to be informed that haven’t been so already.
Please see our data retention and privacy policy and our privacy notice.