There are two main elements involved in reaching a decision on a planning application. These are the processes of dealing with the application and the considerations that must be taken into account.

The process

When an application is received it is checked to ensure that it is complete. This means that the forms have been properly completed and signed and that plans clearly identifying the site and explaining the proposal have been supplied along with the correct fee.

The application is registered and the consultation process begins. This involves sending a copy of the application to certain key parties such as the highway authority and drainage bodies. At the same time the local community is consulted with a copy of the application being sent to the local parish council and neighbours to the proposal being directly notified. A site notice will also be posted.

A planning officer will visit the site and may well start discussions with the applicant to perhaps find out more information about a proposal or to seek an amendment to a scheme to make it more acceptable.

After assessing the application the planning officer will write a report on the scheme which will contain a recommendation as whether planning permission should be granted or not.

Around 90% of our applications are relatively non-contentious and the power to determine such applications is delegated to the Director. The Development Management Committee determines the remaining 10% which are generally those which raise issues of Policy or are particularly contentious. They meet every four weeks. The Committee will visit some of the sites before they reach a decision.

Planning permission can be granted, with or without conditions or it can be refused.

Material Planning Considerations

There are a large number of factors which go into the decision making process. These are called 'material planning considerations'.

The Council is guided by both formal and informal advice from central government. This takes the form of Planning Policy Guidance Notes and Statements, Circulars and statements from Ministers.

There is also a wealth of legislation, most centrally the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, together with regulations and related legislation, for example, for listed buildings and conservation areas.

The Council must also be mindful of decisions taken by the courts, where relevant, and planning inspectors on appeals.

Local policy takes the form, principally, of the Development Plan. Any determination made under the Planning Acts must be made in accordance with the plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise (Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004). The Development plan comprises the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) and the Local Development Framework (LDF) and 1saved policy from the Local Plan. See Local Development Framework for more information.

When considering any application all material planning considerations must be taken on board.

Enquiries

Any enquiries regarding the making of amendments should be directed to either the nominated Case Officer or the Duty officer.

DCEnquiries@hambleton.gov.uk

Tel: 0845 1211 555

Hambleton District Council, Civic Centre, Stone Cross, Northallerton, DL6 2UU