About Planning Administration

A main aim of the section is to provide an efficient and effective administration support to the Planning Department and to provide a service to customers which is consistent with the Council's commitment to customer care.

Our priority is to provide a welcoming and efficient reception service to members of the public who visit the Department ensuring they receive all the information and help that they require.

Commitment

• To support the operations of other sections through the provision of effective administration systems.

• To ensure that planning application files are with the case officer within 2 working days of receipt of a valid application and to ensure that decision notices are issued within 24 hours of the relevant decision.

• To provide relevant information on property to the Land Charges Section of the Council.

Processing a Planning Application

• Validate and input planning information onto computer system (day1)

• Acknowledge receipt and produce all site notices and consultation letters (day 2)

• Pass file to Development Control Officers for processing and determination (day 2)

• Carry out any additional notification or consultations

• Prepare Committee Reports for members of Council Planning Panel

• Despatch Decision Certificate to Applicant or Agent

Statutory Register

Members of the public can view a register of all planning applications within the County Borough. All applications since April 1996 are held on computer. Details of planning applications both past and current which may be of interest can be accessed.

As well as planning applications the computer system also shows other information which may be relevant to anyone considering a development. A full list is shown below:

• Planning Applications

• Building Regulations Application

• Grant Aided Properties

• Housing Regeneration Areas

• Conservation Areas and Article 4 Directives

• Listed Buildings

• Tree Preservation Orders

• Wildlife Sites

• Sites of Special Scientific Interest

• Settlement Limits

• Major Gas Pipelines

• Consultation Zones (British Waterways, Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency and Coal Board)

You can also search for recent Planning Applications online.

Guidance Leaflets

A series of booklets and leaflets covering a wide range of topics are available from reception for members of the public. Topics cover both Building Control and Planning.

They aim to give you advice and guidance about the criteria used to determine applications, so that any problems may be foreseen before you submit your application to the Planning Department for approval.

A complete list is displayed below.

• Planning - A Guide to Householders

• A Guide for Small Businesses and Householders

• Planning - Charter Standards

• Outdoor Advertising and Signs

• Space Around Residential Buildings

Local Planning Guidance Notes>>

Application Forms

Bilingual forms are available on request for all types of Planning and Building Control applications.

Go to Application Forms >>

Ordnance Survey Maps

The Planning Department participates in the Planning and Building Control Scheme whereby hard copy map extracts can be supplied to accompany submissions being made to the Planning Department. You may purchase map extracts from our reception for use with your planning application.

The Section administers the Scheme on behalf of the Ordnance Survey.

Map information >>

Planning Control

Planning index