Planning Practice Note
Submitting a Planning Application
INTRODUCTION
Government performance indicators for planning services stress the importance of timely decision making on planning applications and related matters.
Often the processing of planning applications is delayed because of incomplete submissions by the applicant or slowness in responding to requests for information or changes to designs. This can lead to slower decision making contrary to Government advice.
One option available to the Council is to refuse planning permission for unsatisfactory schemes without seeking amendments. While this might improve the speed of decision making, the Council does not feel that this would provide best value for applicants.
The preferred alternative is:
- clarity in the requirements for planning applications;
- promptness by all parties in dealing with any issues arising.
This Practice Note is designed to help applicants and their agents obtain a high quality of service by ensuring that:
- applications are complete and capable of acceptance without modification or supplementary information;
- correspondence is dealt with as quickly as possible;
- contact with the case officer is conducted in an efficient manner.
THE APPLICATION FORM
Please read the notes accompanying the application forms carefully and follow any instructions given.
The boxes on the form indicate what information is required:
- fill in all the sections stating in each box:
- 'yes' or 'no', or
- 'none' or 'not applicable', or
- 'as existing', or
- give the information required;
- you must give the full name and address of the applicant;
- make sure all the copies of the form are signed and dated.
Section 65 'ownership' certificate
- Make sure that the appropriate section A or B is filled in and the rest deleted;
- Also complete the agricultural holding certificate;
- If neither certificate A or B is appropriate, please ask for details of alternatives;
- Sign and date the form.
Householder form
There is a simplified form for use if you are applying only for planning permission for development in the curtilage of your private house. Please fill in all the sections.
Inadequate drawings are a frequent cause of delay. The following requirements apply.
Number of drawings
The LPA needs 5 copies of the application forms and drawings to undertake all the necessary consultation and publicity. The requirements apply to every copy of the drawings.
Site plan
One drawing must be a site plan which shows the land to which the application relates. It should be on an Ordnance Survey base and must show:
- the site of the proposal outlined in red;
- any other land owned by the applicant outlined in blue.
Please note that 'site' means the land on which the building is situated and not just the building itself.
Ordnance Survey maps are available from
- Hereford Map Centre (01432 266322)
- Shropshire County Council (01743 255350)
www.shropshire.gov.uk (External link)
Block plan
One drawing must be a block plan at 1:500 scale showing:
- the layout of the site including the position of any existing and proposed buildings;
- any existing or proposed vehicular or pedestrian access to or from a highway;
- the approximate positions of buildings on neighbouring land. These can usually be scaled from the Ordnance Survey map.
Plans and elevations of buildings
Plans and elevations should be drawn at 1:50 or 1:100 scale. 1:200 is an acceptable scale for very large buildings. Please avoid:
- imperial scales (feet and inches), as all submissions must by law be metric;
- different scales for plans and elevations. This makes the drawing harder for the public to understand and can give rise to misinformed representations.
The following are required:
- floor plans as proposed at all levels;
- all elevations;
- if the works involve an existing building, plans and elevations of the whole building as existing and proposed. Partial plans and elevations are not acceptable.
Design and Access Statements
Nearly all applications must be accompanied by a design and assess statement. (see separate guidance)
INFORMATION IN SPECIAL CASES
For certain types of application additional information is required.
Rural building conversions
If the proposal is for the conversion of a barn or other rural building you must submit a report by a chartered structural engineer which certifies that the scheme can be carried out without major demolition. Any demolition and rebuilding which is required must be shown on the drawings.
Non-mains drainage
Government circular 3/99 requires all new development to be connected to mains drainage if technically possible. Where non-mains drainage is required you must submit a statement and percolation test results or discharge details with the application. (see separate guidance)
Outline Applications in Conservation Areas
These are not normally acceptable. The LPA has a statutory duty to consider the effect of proposals on the character and appearance of a conservation area. This cannot be done without a detailed proposal. When an outline application is in a conservation area is made, therefore, a detailed scheme will be required in accordance with Policy CN12 of the South Shropshire Local Plan.
FEES
Most types of application require a fee (set by the Government) to be paid. The application cannot be accepted without it. A fee calculator is available on the Planning Portal.
The Planning Portal (External link)
CORRESPONDENCE
Because of the 4 weekly cycle of Development Control Committee meetings, even quite short delays in correspondence can give rise to applications being delayed for a month. We undertake to correspond promptly with applicants and agents when further information or negotiation is required in connection with applications. It helps the processing of your application if you respond promptly in return.
CONTACT WITH OFFICERS
The officer dealing with your application, and his/her direct telephone line are given in correspondence. Enquiries may be made to the case officer or planning support staff.
© Copyright. South Shropshire District Council,
Stone House, Corve Street,
Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1DG.
Tel: (01584) 813000
fax: (01584) 813128
E-mail: planning@southshropshire.gov.uk
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Subscribe to changes to this page here.Author: Planning and Building Control. Last Updated: 13/2/2007.
