MAKING AN APPLICATION
2.14
The normal time within which the local authority will be expected to make a decision on a planning application is eight weeks or thirteen weeks for major projects. To assist the Council in the quick and accurate determination of planning applications, officers require a detailed set of information at the outset. Such information will help to establish the proposal within its local context and aid its assessment. The minimum requirements expected for all planning applications are:
i. A site plan illustrating the development within its wider context
ii. All relevant existing and proposed floor plans, site plans, elevations and sections
iii. Application forms and appropriate certificate
iv. Correct fee
v. An ownership certificate
2.15
In addition the Council strongly advises that developers submit the following:
i. Contextual photographs.
ii. A design statement explaining the design philosophy of the scheme and in particular contribution to local character.
iii. Perspective drawings of the proposed development in its context
iv. A landscaping scheme detailing physical works and maintenance responsibilities.
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2.16
On sites that either contain or are adjacent to trees of amenity value which might be affected by the development:
i. A tree survey stating species, age, condition, height, girth, crown and spread in accordance with policy D.4
2.17
In certain cases due to the location, size or character of the site or development, additional information may be required in the form of:
i. A planning policy statement
ii. An accessibility statement
iii. A sustainability statement
iv. A three dimensional model
v. Where applicable section 106 statements eg. affordable housing
Consultation with the District Council will clarify what information will be required for a particular proposal.
Design Statements
2.18
Planning Policy Guidance Note 1: General Policy and Principles, advises applicants for planning permission to include a short written statement with their application setting out the design principles adopted in the proposal.
2.19
These statements will help to demonstrate to officers that the applicant has responded to design policies in the Adopted District Local Plan, to the guidance in this SPG and to the specific characteristics of the site. The size and nature of the development will define the degree of detail required for design statements.
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Paragraph 5.28 of the Adopted District Local Plan is a starting point for designers and decision makers for analysing local character and assessing the suitability of the chosen design:
2.20
The design statement should provide details on scheme design related to each of the components of character identified in Chapter 3 (Design Guidance for Residential Development part 1).
Consultation
‘Consultation is an integral part of the planning system and all development proposals will be subject to statutory consultation. For larger schemes or for development which may generate significant local interest developers are encouraged to consult with relevant groups prior to submission of planning applications. There is evidence that involving the public and stakeholders in the design process early on increases the likelihood of acceptability and the quality of the scheme. Developers are encouraged to discuss their approach to engaging with the public at the pre-application stage. The detail over how consultation is undertaken and recorded will be a matter for the Statement of Community Involvement to be produced by the District Council.’
REVIEWING DESIGNS AND NEGOTIATING QUALITY
2.21
Applications for planning permission will be assessed by the Council’s Development Control Team. A significant number of applications will be determined by officers using delegated powers of decision making. The majority of the remainder will be determined by
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