Gaining peoples views about proposed development is an important element in the processing of planning applications. The County Council through its 'Statement of Community involvement' has set out how it will consult with the public on individual planning applications and development plan documents.

The County Council provides access to a County Council planning database, which holds details of planning applications submitted to the County council. Using this service you can monitor the progress of planning applications, view a list of current planning applications received and validated, view details of some historic planning applications. Please follow the links on the right hand side.

There will be a limited amount of time (usually three weeks) in which to send comments in to us in respect of a planning application. It is important to meet any published deadline or the submission may not be taken into account. Members of the public are allowed to speak at Development Control Committee by prior arrangement and subject to a protocol. Please see the link on the right hand side.

Examples of relevant planning issues include

• Development Plan - comprising the County Structure Plan and relevant Local Plan
• Central Government Policy and Guidance
• supplementary guidance prepared by relevant legal and appeal judgements
• site considerations/relationship to neighbouring properties e.g. overlooking problems, noise or parking
• levels of the land, trees, boundaries, etc

Examples of issues which cannot be taken into account

• matters covered by other legislation e.g. fire precautions
• boundaries/access disputes
• loss of property value
• legal covenants
• loss of private view over neighbouring land/property
• the motives, conduct or financial circumstances of the applicant

If you have any queries, please contact us on 01223 718723

Planning Aid

Planning Aid is an organisation that complements the work of local authorities but is wholly independent of them. It provides free and professional advice on planning issues to people and communities who cannot afford to hire a planning consultant. Further information is available by following the relevant link on the right hand side or telephone 0121 693 1201