New requirements for planning applications

Significant changes to the way planning applications are lodged will take effect from next month.

From 10 August new Government legislation affecting all councils will mean that in most cases, those lodging planning applications or listed building consent applications will have to submit design and access statements.

This means that applicants will have to demonstrate more clearly that their proposals have been properly considered in the light of relevant policies and the site constraints and opportunities.

A number of planning definitions have also changed as well.

Details of the changes are available on the Department for Communities and Local Government website www.communities.gov.uk.

Residents and planning agents who use Sevenoaks District Council’s Planning Reception are being advised of the changes.

Cllr Gary Williamson, the Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for planning, says: "Anyone who intends to submit a planning application from 10 August should be aware of the requirement to provide new information. Those who are in any doubt as to how these changes will affect their application can call us for advice."

Cllr Williamson adds: "We welcome these changes as they should help improve the standard of planning documents submitted and assist those wishing to comment on specific development proposals."

Further advice is available form the Council's Development Control Section by calling 01732 227454.

Summary of changes

Outline Applications - Reserved Matters
The definition of outline planning permission and reserved matters are to be changed.
In future revised reserved matters will be defined as:
• Layout
• Scale
• Appearance
• Access
• Landscaping

Outline applications will also have to include certain minimum information, namely;
• Use - the use or uses proposed for the development and any distinct development zones within the site identified.
• Amount of development - the amount of development proposed for each use.
• Indicative layout - an indicative layout with separate development zones proposed within the site boundary where appropriate.

• Scale parameters - an indication of the upper and lower limits for height, width and length of each building within the site boundary.

• Indicative access points - an area or areas in which the access point or points to the site will be situated.

Design and Access Statements (General)

The amendments also mean that from 10 August a statement covering design concepts and principles, and access issues will required to be submitted with an application for planning permission (including outlines) and listed building consent, except in certain exemption cases. Where required, the Local Planning Authority is prohibited from entertaining an application unless accompanied by a design statement and an access statement.

The exceptions are:

• A change of use of land/buildings, unless operational development involved
• Engineering or mining operations
• Development of a dwelling house (householder development) or development within curtilage of a dwelling - unless situated within national park, Site Special Scientific Interest, Conservation Area, AONB, World Heritage Site and the Broads.

Where there is a planning application in parallel with a Listed Building Consent application a single combined statement should address both.

Statements for/covering Listed Buildings will be similar to those for planning applications, although there will be some difference given the different nature of a Listed Building Consent application.