Planning FAQs
Click a question to reveal the answer.
Q: How do I comment on a planning application?
Q: Will my comments on planning applications be confidential?
Q: When do I need planning permission for something?
Q: How do I apply for planning permission?
Q: Why do I need to apply for planning permission and building control consent separately?
Planning covers issues such as the size of development as it impacts on immediate neighbours and the community. Planning policy is partly the result of local policy as well as national policy, and public consultation is part of the planning process. Building control is there to ensure that national standards required in the construction of buildings are met. Because these are two separate pieces of legislation they are handled by separate application processes, and some building work requires building control consent but not planning permission. For a guide as to whether you might need planning permission or building control consent for work that you want to do, see these pages which are on the Planning Portal, a government website.
Q: Will I be consulted on planning applications near me?
Q: How can I report a breach of planning control?
Q: What policies do planners use to assess applications?
Q: How do I find the contact details of the case officer for a particular application?
Q: Is there any help available to explain the proposals?
Q: Is there any advice available or on how to comment?
Q: I have difficulty reading English are there services to assist me?
Q: I am disabled, are there any services to assist me?
Q: How can I be consulted on planning policy?
Q: If I cut off branches from an overhanging tree, do I put it back in their garden?
Q: How do I get a council-owned tree pruned?
Q: Is there a law about tall hedges blocking light?
Q: Which policy documents will my proposal be considered against?
