We will try to deal with your application within 8 weeks although this is not always possible. We will give you a target date for dealing with the application when we acknowledge it. If we do not expect to be able to deal with it within 8 weeks we will explain the reasons to you.
Receipt, validation and registration
l The application is received. A member of the planning staff validates the application. This means that a check is made to ensure that all plans have been submitted and are correct and to the required scales. All forms are checked to ensure that there are no errors or omissions and that the designated fee has been supplied with the application.
l If the application is incomplete an ‘Invalid Letter’ is sent to the applicant/agent informing them of what is required in order to proceed with the application.
l Once your application has been validated it is registered and plotted on our computerised system and the application form, documents and plans are made available for viewing on-line.
Acknowledgement
An acknowledgement letter is issued to you, (your agent if you have one) within 1-2 working days of registration. This will provide you with the name of the officer dealing with your application and contact details, your application number and a target date for dealing with the application.
Publicity and consultation
l Consultations will be sent out within 1 week of registration to all relevant parties ie neighbours and statutory and non-statutory consultees to ensure that they are given the opportunity to comment. Site and press notices will be displayed within 2 weeks. Unless otherwise required by legislation, consultees will be allowed 21 days to comment, after which the application may be decided. A 14 day period is normally allowed when re-consultation takes place on significant amendments.
l If the planner dealing with your application needs to discuss the proposal with you (and this isn't always needed) you will be contacted as soon as possible.
l You can use e-planning to track the progress of your application. Updates are made in real-time. Information is available on who has been consulted, any responses received and key dates.
Site visit and additional information
l The case officer conducts a site visit after checking the application details and will display any site notices, if required.
l The officer considers the information that you submitted in relation to the site and its surroundings. If the application is unacceptable as submitted but additional information or amendments could overcome the concerns, the planning officer will explain this to you (your agent if you have one). A reasonable time scale will be given for you to send us revised proposals. If, at the end of that period, we have not received the amendments and no extension of the time period has been agreed, the council may decide the proposals as originally submitted.
l If you reconsider your proposal and wish to make substantial or repeated amendments, we may advise you to withdraw the application and submit a revised proposal.
Determination by delegated powers or planning committee
l Your application should be reported to the next available Planning Committee OR dealt with under powers delegated to a senior officer.
Recommendation to planning committee
l Upon receipt of additional information and any subsequent modifications, the case officer will prepare a report including a recommendation for determination by the Planning Committee.
l The case officers report will detail the representations of the local residents, it will take into account national and Development Plan policies and note any other material planning considerations. A case will then be made for granting permission or refusing the application based on the information gathered. In the event of recommending that permission be granted the case officer will attach planning conditions to the application in order to control the development. Similarly, if the recommendation is to refuse the application then reasons for the refusal must be given.
l If you wish to make a request to speak at the Planning Committee, please read the download above.
l Applications will only be recommended for refusal if they are considered to be unacceptable in principle or the necessary amendments cannot be agreed.
l The Planning Committee may decide to visit the site.
l Committee agendas and minutes are also published online and are published 4-5 days before the date of the relevant committee meeting.
Decision Notices
l We aim to issue all decision notices within 2-3 working days of the decision. The notice will be accompanied by a clear explanation of your rights of appeal if we have refused permission or granted permission subject to conditions.
Points to Note
l Applications are not confidential and anyone can look at them. Any personal information supplied will be processed in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998. This information will become part of a planning application file available for public inspection, in the event of an appeal will be forwarded to the National Assembly, and may be reproduced in a Council agenda item or Council minutes.
l We will normally deal directly with your Agent, if you have one. All correspondence, including the decision notice will be sent to them.
l You or you agent can withdraw your application at any time.