Although there is an immense amount of literature available on the internet regarding Planning Permission and Building Regulations, the most accurate is that published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) which is ultimately the Government Department responsible for Planning and Building Control. We suggest that you obtain copies of this literature to familiarise yourself with the processes involved and the legal obligations you undertake during the application for Planning & Building Control consents and the construction of your development.
To start with, the following booklets listed below should be available from the Planning Department of your Local Borough Council. Alternatively, they can be ordered free of charge from the ODPM direct. Their contact details are as follows:
Telephone: 0870 1226 236 or Fax: 0870 1226 237
E-mail:odpm@twoten.press.net
Website: vwww.odpm.gov.uk
Planning - A Guide for Householders - What you need to know about the planning system .
Booklet Product Code Ref. no 01PD1147
Planning Permission - A Guide for Business
Booklet Product Code Ref. no 97PD0421
Building Regulations - Explanatory Booklet
Booklet Product Code Ref.no 04BR02208
These are just a few of the publications available, please investigate the ODPM website for other available titles and guidance notes.
Each Borough Council has a document called a Local Plan. Part of this document deals with the specific issues of Planning and the respective Council's Planning Policy. Each policy discusses the required criteria that your proposed development will have to reach. Each Council has their own specific 'bench marks' as to the standards of development ie does your proposed development have a negative affect on your neighbours or it may not provide suitable future accommodation? The Borough Council Planning Officer appointed to evaluate and make a decision on your application will use this Plan in making their decision. If your proposed plans do not reach the standard that is stated in the Local Plan the Planning Officer may have grounds to refuse your application on these grounds. Wider issues such development in the Green Belt and change of use are also discussed.
On a 'forewarned is forearmed' basis we feel that it is of benefit that you familiarise yourself with your Local Council Planning Policy and recommend that you contact your local Council to obtain a copy of the Local Plan. Availabilitly is dependent on your local Council, the Local Plan may be available free of charge or on their website, however, sometimes there is a rather hefty cost involved of £40 plus per copy. If it is not available on-line, the Planning Department hold reference copies of the Local Plan and you can visit the department to read the relevant sections.To make things further complicated the Local Plans' are regularly updated. To view what of the current Planning Policy is relevant to you, you may have to view Adopted and Draft copies of the same document which is produced in different years. This is where a policy is currently in place (Adopted) but is under revision in the future Plan being assembled (Draft).
Other Local Authority Literature
In addition to the Borough Council Local Plan document there are also similar documents produced by your County Council. For example in Kent there is the Kent Structure Plan and the Kent and Medway Structure Plan. Please contact your County Council to find out what required reading is available.
Please note that information in these booklets & the Local Plan does alter from time to time and is accurate at the time of the publication of this website August 2004.
Chase Design will not be held responsible if the information in the above recommended reading is not 100% up-to-date as this is beyond our control. Please consult the ODPM and Local Authorities direct for the most recent literature and information available.
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