Full Planning Applications
This is the most common type of application in which the full details of the proposal, drainage and access arrangements, siting and design are all included for consideration. Full planning applications usually include householder applications. Planning permission normally lasts for three years.
From 10 August 2006 with the exception of applications for change of use; engineering operations and householder proposals outside conservation areas, a Design and Access statement must be submitted with all applications.
Outline Application
This type of application is submitted to establish whether development is acceptable in principle. Detailed plans will not normally be submitted at this stage, although the Council may ask for more details. Outline permission lasts for three years, but the period extends for up to five years if reserved matters are applied for. Reserved matters applications are submitted after outline planning consent has been obtained and must be applied for within three years of the outline consent.
From the 10 August 2006 reserved matters applications set out outstanding details of the proposal to include layout, scale, appearance, access and landscaping while taking into account any conditions stipulated in the original outline consent. In addition, applicants are expected to submit details on use;amount of development;indicative layout;scale parameters and indicative access points.
In addition from 10 August 2006 Design and Access statements must be submitted with outline applications.
Change of Use
This is very similar to a full application in terms of information required by the Council, but on occasions an application may be acceptable simply with a necessary fee, a completed form and a site plan showing the property concerned. Unless operational development is included in the proposal a Design and Access statement is not required.
Certificates of Lawful Use
Where land or buildings have been used consistently for a particular purpose for a period of 10 years without planning permission having been complied with or obtained, a Certificate of Lawful use can be applied for to provide security of use of the site without the need for planning permission.
Advertisement Consent
The display of an advertisement may require consent. Normally, illuminated signs and large displays are subject to this form of control. However, small nameplates and certain shop signs are exempt.
Listing Building Consent
Listing Building Consent is required where it is intended to demolish or materially alter the character of a listed building. Applications to the Council are made using special forms with accompanying plans. No fee is charged. You are strongly advised to take note that unauthorised work to listed buildings or buildings located in Conservation Areas may result in a criminal offence being committed. A Design and Access statement must accompany applications from 10th August 2006
Conservation Area Consent
This is required for the total or partial demolition of an unlisted building in a Conservation Area. Before pursuing any demolition works in a Conservation Area you are strongly advised to consult this Department.
Notices of Intention to carry out Agricultural, Forestry Development or the Introduction of Private Ways
Proposals for certain minor types of agricultural and forestry works and private ways, whilst not requiring formal planning permission, are required to be submitted using the Notices of Intention procedure.
Consent to Fell Trees in a Conservation Area
At least six weeks formal notice is normally required if it is intended to lop, top or fell any tree in a Conservation Area. There are some exemptions to this requirement and people considering carrying out works to trees in Conservation Areas are advised to contact Mr Colin Marlee on 01670 535000 before beginning to undertake any works.
Tree Preservation Orders
The Council has the power to protect selected trees and woodland groups. Tree Preservation Orders (TPO's) are normally made where trees are threatened by development and where their damage or removal would seriously affect the landscape or amenity of an area. TPO's make it an offence to carry out work to a tree unless permission has first been obtained from the Council. Permission must be sought in writing from the Council indicating the work to be carried out and why it needs to be done.
Click on link above for further inforamtion about Tree Preservation Orders.
Telecommunications Notifications
Certain forms of telecommunications development require planning permission. Other, usually more minor types such as small masts or antennae, are given permitted development rights in principle subject to the Council controlling siting and design.
Notices of Determination in Respect of Demolition
Prior approval is required for the demolition of certain buildings besides those that are Listed, Scheduled Monuments or within Conservation Areas. Generally the regulations relate to dwellings or buildings adjoining dwellings.
Hazardous Substances
The Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 requires hazardous substances consent to be obtained for the presence of a hazardous substance in an amount at or above its controlled quantity. The controlled quantities and specific substances are laid down in the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1992.
How to make an application
1. Please complete a Pre-Application enquiry form. This is now a chargeable service dependant on the type of enquiry it is. Please contact this office to confirm whether a fee is necessary or view the pre-application web page.
2. Contact an officer of the department for an assessment of whether permission is required or is likely to be acceptable. Please note that if you require an appointment to see an officer that this is also a chargeable service with the exception of Listed Building Consent. It is often wise to submit preliminary sketch plans for the Council officers to pass comments on or to improve where necessary.
3. It is usually helpful to speak to your neighbours to establish if they are likely to object and for what reason.
4. Obtain the correct forms from the Council, (see link above). You should already have spoken to a Planning Officer who may have told you that other forms of consent as well as planning are necessary, this could include the list of consents above and other statutory forms of control such as Building Regulations approval.
5. Obtain the planning application notes for guidance.
4. Commission a competent, and preferably fully qualified, architect or possibly an experienced architectural technician to produce detailed plans and, if necessary to submit the application. Notes of other requirements including the requisite fee can be obtained from the Council.
To view and download a planning application form click on the link above which will take you to the page with a list of forms to choose from.
Planning Enforcement
Planning enforcement investigates the following alleged breaches of planning control:
· Development that has took place without securing the necessary planning approval (where such approval was required)
· Developments that have secured planning permission but have not been implemented or operated in accordance with the approved plans.
· Developments that have been approved but have failed to comply with the conditions imposed within the decision notice.
If you believe that one of the above points have been breached, please submit your complaints by email to victoria.crofton@castlemorpeth.gov.uk or Planningapplication@castlemorpeth.gov.uk Alternatively send your complaint by post to Castle Morpeth Borough Council, Longhirst Hall, Longhirst, Morpeth, NE61 3LR. Please note that we need your complaint in writing before we can act on it.
Unlike when making public representations on a planning application, enquiries to planning enforcement are treated in the strictest confidence.
To register a complaint please contact Victoria Crofton on 01670 794694 or email her at the above address.