What happens when we receive your application?

Before making a decision on a planning application we carry out the following consultations:

• Occupiers of adjacent properties are notified
• Professional and Government bodies are consulted regarding the impact the proposal may have on highway safety and drainage amongst other issues. 
• In addition the Council will consult with other Government departments and agencies, Council departments, adjoining local authorities and interested bodies.  Not all bodies are consulted on each application; consultations vary according to the nature of the proposal and location.
• Site and press notices are arranged (where appropriate). The weekly list of applications received and the case officers handling the applications is circulated to the local newspapers, all elected members, organisations and bodies with particular interests (eg. civic societies, forums etc) and to Parish Council's.
• Parish Councils and Town Halls/Council Shops are sent copies of applications.  Members of the public can view applications either in Council Shops/Town Halls or on the Council's web site.   

Members of the public have 21 days from the date of the site/press notice or neighbour letter to send representations to the Local Planning Authority.  Representations can be sent in either letter form or via the Council's web site. 

In certain circumstances, things are done differently:

• In terms of minor development the Council tends to notify all those around the site by letter rather than site notice.  Where a proposal entails a potentially difficult use or type of development (eg telecommunications development) notification would be wider than the more straightforward proposal. 
• It is often the case that amendments are made to proposals during the course of planning applications as a result of improvements or changes negotiated between planning officers and applicants.  Depending on certain circumstances, the Council publicises these proposed changes, although there is no statutory requirement to do so. In view of the constraints in dealing with applications a shortened period of 14 days is allowed for further written comment.