There are a number of factors that may affect the type of planning application you will need to submit, as well as the possible outcome of your application. Below are some common issues that you may need to consider and links to additional information where available.

• Local Planning Policy - all decisions are based on local planning policies. You can view the most up-to-date policies on the Local Plan section of this website.
• Nature, Wildlife & Biodiversity - you will need to consider the effect of your proposal on wildlife and many plants and animals are protected. More information is available on the Ecology & Biodiversity section of this website or from the Natural England website.
• Building Regulations - development may need building regulation approval as well as planning permission. More information is available on the Building Control section of this website.
• Design - The Council has an adopted Design Guide (pdf) that should be used to assist and advise the design process. More information is also available on the Design section of this website.
• Access - it is important to consider accessibility and to ensure that development is future proof in terms of its long-term adaptability. More information is available in the Design Guide (pdf) or on the Planning Portal website: Neighbours.
• Sustainability - new homes and buildings should be designed and built following good sustainability principles in order to improve and reduce the carbon output from development. More information is available in the Design Guide (pdf).
• Environment Health - Environmental Health Officers are responsible for ensuring the safety of everyone who lives and works in the area. Any development that may affect safety, e.g... air pollution/noise/dust/extraction equipment will be considered by an Environmental Health Officer. More information is available on the Planning Portal website: Nature and Wildlife.
• Trees and Hedges - Many trees in East Cambridgeshire are located within conservation areas or are protected by Tree Preservation Orders, therefore permission is required before they can be felled  or pruned. More information is available on the Trees section of this website.
• Your Neighbours - you should consider any potential impact on your neighbours when making your plans and any potential impact will be considered by the Planning Officers when determining your application. More information is available on the Planning Portal website.
• Lighting - Lighting inside and outside of a development will be considered as part of any application. More information is available on the Planning Portal website: Lighting.
• Conservation Areas - If your development is within a conservation area, it is possible that there will be additional planning restrictions that will affect your application. More information is available on the Conservation Area section of this website.
• Listed Buildings - If your development involves or affects a listed building, restrictions will apply. You should contact the Council's Conservation Officer before considering any works to seek advice as early as possible. More information is available on the Listed Building section of this website.
• Highways & Traffic - Access, traffic level, highway safety and parking provision for new development will be considered as part of the application. Advice will be provided from the Cambridgeshire County Council Highways Officers. You can seek pre-application advice from them prior to submitting your application.
• Flooding - If your development is located in a flood zone, the Council will need to be satisfied that the proposal is justified and that the consequences of flooding are acceptable. More information is available on the Flooding and Drainage section of this website or from the Environment Agency website.
• Drainage - You will need to consider how waste and surface water will be dealt with as part of your proposal. More information is available on the Flooding and Drainage section of this website.
• Covenants - Depending on conditions of ownership of the property or land, you may need consent from a third party before you can carry out the works. The Council will not take these restrictions into consideration when determining applications.
• Affordable Housing - Depending on the scale of your development, you may be required to contribute to the District's affordable housing provision. More information is available on the Affordable Housing section of this website.