Development Control

Most building work, engineering work and use of land requires planning permission, and the purpose of development control is to ensure that the development is carried out in accordance with local and national planning guidance. Many of the issues relating to planning are contained on the Department for Communities and Local Government website.  The website also has  Planning Policy Guidance Notes which may assist you when making planning applications.

The section is also responsible for the administration and management of matters relating to trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders and trees in Conservation Areas.

This work involves the survey and inspection of trees for inclusion in new Tree Preservation Orders, the consideration of proposals by owners to fell or prune trees covered by Orders, and where necessary, the provision of technical and professional advice to owners and developers on matters related to protected trees.

There are a number of national indicators and standards to compare how local planning authorities perform in dealing with applications.

Best Value Performance Indicator 109 relates to the speed of processing planning applications. In the quarter January to March 2008 we achieved decisions on:-

100 per cent of major applications within 13 weeks compared to a national target of 60 per cent
90 per cent of minor applications within 8 weeks compared to a national target of 65 per cent
92 per cent of other applications within 8 weeks compared to a national target of 80 per cent

We also carry out regular customer satisfaction surveys. For the latest survey in 2006/07 we received a satisfaction level of 62 per cent.

Detailed reports are presented each quarter on performance to the Planning Control Committee

Planning Officers are available to offer advice and guidance if you are proposing to submit an application. Please click here to find out how.