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Planning Searches Guidance Note
Introduction to Planning Searches
The Council is required by law to keep a register of all planning applications submitted and to provide reasonable access to it for the public.
The Planning Register in Sheffield is in the process of being improved, following substantial investment in new IT, but that does mean that there are issues that customers need to be aware of.
The new application system is called Uniform, which went live in November 2001, replacing the previous Phoenix system. There is not yet a complete transfer of Phoenix records to Uniform, though a programme of transferring the outstanding records has been started, as resources allow. For complicated sites, for example where there is not a straightforward address, it is still often necessary to refer to the old manual records (or drums), to obtain a full and accurate planning history.
Customers should bear these facts in mind when deciding which search service is most appropriate for their needs.
Planning Search options
Full paid search – all Council services (£105.60 - completed within 5 to 10 working days)
This type of search can be done via Local Land Charges, by obtaining LLC1 and Con 29 Forms from Oyez Stationery Ltd, 7 Campo Lane Sheffield 1. The Council Departments that provide information in this comprehensive search are: Legal and Admin, Highways, Planning, Environmental Protection, and Environmental Housing Services. This is the most comprehensive and accurate service available, commonly used by solicitors when their clients are considering the possible purchase of land and property, but also useful for other purposes.
The Council has been completing 100% of these searches within 10 working days.
For more information, contact Local Land Charges on tel. 0114 273 4033. Or e-mail LandCharges@sheffield.gov.uk
Con 29 Additional questions on the planning status of adjoining properties
It is apparent from the many queries we receive, that purchasers of property often want to know what the planning situation is for adjoining properties.
Typical concerns are:
- Is the open space near to the property protected in some way from development i.e. as open space or green belt?
- Have my neighbours got planning permission for an extension which may affect my amenities?
Following investment in I.T. we are now able to offer a new, improved service. For each neighbouring property we can provide the planning application policy and details of any planning permission granted in the last 5 years (The period applicants have to commence development requiring planning permission).
The standard £15.00 charge for an additional question payable to Local Land Charges would apply. For each adjoining property requested an additional fee of £15.00 would be payable to the planning department.
For more information, contact the Records Team tel. 0114 273 4215 or e-mail planningdc@sheffield.gov.uk
Expedited full paid searches (£150.00 - completed within 48 hours)
If a full paid search is particularly urgent and is for an easily identified numbered property, an expedited search service is available.
For more information, contact Local Land Charges on tel. 0114 27 34033. Or e-mail LandCharges@sheffield.gov.uk
Planning history requests (Completed within 3 working days of receiving payment)
This is a service offered by Planning Records, restricted to planning histories and enforcement entries, including breach of condition notices served. It covers the period from 1975 to the present date. Particularly complex searches will attract a higher charge, by arrangement.
A covering letter is needed with a location plan and a cheque made payable to Sheffield City Council for £50.00 (including VAT) for domestic searches and £80.00 for commercial searches
For more information, contact the Records Team tel. 0114 273 4215 or e-mail planningdc@sheffield.gov.uk
A search in person – straightforward, numbered properties (available at First Point or by appointment)
This is to be done in person, leaving a clear location plan of the site to be searched against, filling out a pro-forma available from First Point Reception. For straightforward properties it is often possible to receive the information from a Customer Service Advisor. This service is free, but you must be prepared to wait for the replies on more complicated sites. You will receive a list of application numbers relevant to the sites.
For more information, contact the Records Team tel. 0114 273 4215 or e-mail planningdc@sheffield.gov.uk
A search in person – more complex sites (by appointment)
For more complex sites it is often necessary to search through Uniform, Phoenix and the Records indexing drums. The historic street-indexing drum is held in the Planning Division, where it is in constant use. Public access to the drums has to be managed by an appointment system, and only limited free advice can be provided to enable members of the public to have access to it. Many customers find this system slow and difficult to use, so please bear this in mind if you decide to carry out a complex personal search yourself. For more information, or if you need advice on which type of planning search will best meet your particular needs, you may contact the Records Team tel. 0114 273 4215 or e-mail planningdc@sheffield.gov.uk
Downloads
This planning searches guidance note provides a list of service options available to customers
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