Planning System
What is the planning system for?
Most people come into contact with the planning system at some point. Whether you are making an application, affected by an application or you are just interested, we aim to make the system as accessible as possible.
The planning system seeks to make sure that things get built in the right place and in suitable locations. It helps to plan for the developments that the District needs - new homes, factories, roads and schools. At the same time, natural and man-made environments have to be protected. Planning also makes sure that development and growth are sustainable, and that planning decisions will not damage the environment for future generations.
What does it not do?
Planning does not control how a building is built - this is dealt with by the Building Control department. If you do get planning permission, you may also need to get approval under the Building Regulations system before you start work
Who is involved?
The role of town and country planning is to anticipate and respond to changes in the physical and built environment through the Development Plan and the determination of planning applications. A number of agencies are involved to enable this to be performed:
- Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG)
- County Council - prepares Structure Plans, Minerals and Waste Disposal applications
- District Council - responsible for the Local Development Framework, development management/compliance and other related issues/projects
Together these agencies operate the planning system for England and Wales at national, regional and local levels.
Other organisations
Planning involves a lot of agencies through the process of consultation. They include:
- Parish and Neighbourhood Councils
- Government Departments
- Other Agencies such as English Nature and the Countryside Agencies
- Service utilities such as Southern Water
- Specific County Council Departments such as Surveyors
- Local Amenity Groups
The views and comments of these organisations and individual residents may be sought during the preparation of Local Plans or prior to individual planning application decisions.