Development Control

Development Control provides the following services:

We deal with planning applications, submitted to the Council by anyone wishing to carry out various types of development. These can include proposals for: new buildings; alterations or extensions; new uses; advertisements and related works.

We consult neighbours and the local community on these proposals before it is decided whether or not to grant planning permission, guided by national and Council planning policies.

We present the Council' s case on any appeals.

We monitor developments, to make sure that they have planning permission. We investigate enquiries about unauthorised development, and if it is causing harm to neighbours or the environment, we take enforcement action to stop it.

We provide free advice about planning matters.

We provide the planning history of any site, in response to searches and requests.

A new approach to customer service

The Council is investing in new IT, telephone equipment and staff to provide improved customer services. This means that much information is now available on the web, e-mail enquiries are supported, and telephone enquiries are now handled more efficiently, with a team of officers answering the one, easier-to-remember telephone number.

Telephone enquiries (all planning services) at (0114) 273 4215