Planning Frequently Asked Questions

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Where can I get planning application forms?

You can download them from Planning Application Forms or ring Planning Enquiries on 01423 556666 and have them posted to you or call in and collect them.   You can also submit and pay for your application online via the Planning Portal.

 

Where can I get building regulations application forms?

You can download them from Building Control or ring Planning Enquiries on 01423 556666 and have them posted to you or call in and collect them.

 

How can I find out what planning applications there are in my area?

You can use our Online Planning Application Information service to check or look out for green notices.   These are put up near sites where an application has been submitted.   A Weekly List of Applications Received is displayed in public libraries and can be viewed in Planning Enquiries.  The local press often publish extracts of the list and the Council publishes a  Planning Press Notice weekly.

 

Why haven't I received notification that my neighbour has submitted a planning application?

The council does not carry out neighbour notification instead it puts up a green notice at the site of the application and some applications are published by Statutory Public Notice.   The Council also provides applicants with forms to notify immediate neighbours of their application, however this a voluntary scheme.

 

Can I go to a committee meeting and speak? 

Read Opportunity to Speak at Planning Committee (347kb) for details.

 

What happens at Planning Committee meetings?

Read  What Happens at Planning Committee Meetings (382kb) for details, along with Planning Committee - Important information for the public (130kb)

 

How can I find out if I need planning permission?

Guidance is available from the Department for Communities and Local Government or the Planning Portal. To have your own proposal checked you can download and complete a Householder Planning Check Form, there is a charge of £50 for this service.

 

I have read the Householders guidance and do not think I need planning permission should I still submit a Householder Planning Check Form?
You are strongly advised to, as when you come to sell your property proof will be required that planning permission was not needed.   By confirming it now in writing you will avoid delay, or if you have got it wrong costly enforcement action, at a later stage.

 

How can I find out if I am likely to get planning permission before I submit an application?

You should write giving full details of your proposal and location and ask for a preliminary opinion.  There is a charge of £50 for this service. Your letter will be acknowledged giving you contact details and a timescale for dealing with your enquiry.

 

How do I comment on a planning application?

You can submit comments via our  Online Planning Application Information service or write in before the deadline date for the receipt of comments.   This is shown on the green Site Notice and Public Notice in local press (if applicable).   You can also telephone Planning Enquiries  to find out when the deadline is.   Read New Development Have your Say (115kb) for more details.

 

How will I know you have received my letter of representation?

All letters are acknowledged and we write to let you know the decision.

 

I wrote to make representations on an application, how will I know when it has been decided?

We will write to tell you.

 

What grounds can I comment on?

Read New Development Have your Say (115kb) This sets out what are and are not material planning considerations.

 

If I write in to object will my views be taken into account?

Yes but only if they relate to material planning considerations.  Read New Development Have your Say (115kb)  This sets out what are and are not material planning considerations

 

If I write in about an application will my letter be confidential?

No.   All written representations are, by law, made available for public inspection and copying (The Local Government [Access to Information] Act 1985).   If you mark your letter "confidential" it cannot be taken into account when determining the application.  Read New Development Have your Say (115kb) .

 

Where can I view plans of the application(s)?

You can see plans for all applications that are not yet determined by visiting Planning Enquiries between 8.30am and 4pm Monday to Friday.  You can also view applications and plans from August 2005 onwards on our Online Planning Application Information service.

Current Ripon City applications (that is, numbers referenced 6.31... only) may also be inspected at the Town Hall, Ripon, Monday to Friday 9.00am to 12 noon.

Applications that have been determined are only able to be viewed at Planning Enquiries and you are advised to ring in advance to ensure the files are available telephone 01423 556666.  You can also view the plans and decision notices from October 2005 onwards using our Online Planning Application Information service.

 

Can I have copies of plans of the application(s)?

Yes, subject to our copying charges.   However, you can only use them as a basis for forming your comments because they are copyright.

 

Can I get location plans from the Council to submit with my application?

Yes.  Read about our Location Plans Service then place your order using our form.

 

How will I know when my application has been determined?

A "Notice of Decision" will be issued to you or your agent if you have one.  You can use our Online Planning Application Information service to monitor progress.

 

Why have I heard nothing from the department since my agent submitted my application?

This is because all communication takes place with your agent.  However, they will have been asked to pass on the name and contact number of the officer dealing with your case and keep you updated with progress.  See the  Planning Process page for more details.  You can check on progress by using our Online Planning Application Information service.

 

How can I find out who my Councillor is?

Visit our Local Democracy pages or use DirectGov to find.

 

I want to carry out work on some trees - how do I find out if there are any restrictions?

Some trees are protected solely by being within a Conservation Area and others are protected by Tree Preservation Orders or both may apply.  In either case you must make an application to the Council before carrying out any works.   To find out if your trees are protected you can use the Tree Enquiry Form available from the Trees and Garden Hedges page or telephone Planning Enquiries 01423 556666 and they will be able to post the correct forms if required.   You can find out if you live in a Conservation Area and check the boundary from our Heritage & Design page (alternatively, go to our ' My Property' page where you can find many details about the place you live).  You are also advised to check your deeds which should show any planning conditions relating to trees.  Application forms can be downloaded.

 

I don't think the development is being built in accordance with the plans I viewed

You can telephone Planning Enquiries 01423 556666 to ask whether any amendments have been submitted since the decision was made or you can write in, giving your name and address, to our Enforcement Section who will investigate whether there has been a breach of planning consent and let you know the outcome.   The identity of people who complain about an actual or alleged breach of planning control is kept confidential.    See Planning Enforcement.  

 

Who do I inform if I think something does not have planning permission or is not being built in accordance with approved plans?

See Planning Enforcement.  The identity of people who complain about an actual or alleged breach of planning control is kept confidential.

 

My planning application has been refused what can I do?

You can telephone the officer who dealt with your application and discuss the merits of submitting an amended application or you can make an appeal to the  Planning Inspectorate.  

Also see the Notes for Applicants at the end of your Notice of Decision.

You can submit appeals online for enforcement, planning permission, listed building or conservation area consent using the Planning Casework Service via the Planning Portal.

 

My house is in a Conservation Area can I have PVCu windows installed?

Whilst the Council would prefer that windows were in keeping with the style and period of the property there is no legislation to prevent you having PVCu windows installed providing they are fitted within existing openings and the property is not a listed building. To check whether your property is listed you can either telephone Planning Enquiries, 01423 556666, or take a look at our most recent list of Listed Buildings (pdf 140kb)(but note that this was compiled in 2001 and additional properties may have been listed since then - alternatively, go to our ' My Property' page where you can navigate to a map which can show more recent listings graphically).  If your house is a listed building then you would require Listed Building Consent (and, in the case of upvc window installation, it will not normally be granted).   If the window company you plan to use is not Fensa registered then you will need to make an application under Building Regulations

 

I want to put PVCu windows into my house, do I need permission?

If the new windows are to be fitted within existing openings and your house is not a listed building, then you do not need planning permission. See Development Control for guidance.  Please telephone Planning Enquiries, 01423 556666, to check if you are unsure whether your property is listed or if you have any further queries.  If the house is a listed building then you would need Listed Building Consent (and, in the case of upvc window installation, it will not normally be granted).   If the window company you want to use is not Fensa registered then you will need to make an application under Building Regulations

 

I want to put PVCu windows into my flat, commercial or other premises, do I need permission ?

You need to write to us with details of your proposals for consideration and advice as to whether the proposed replacement windows "materially affect the external appearance" of the building.  If the property is listed you would require Listed Building Consent regardless of whether or not planning permission is required. (Note: in the case of PVCu window installation, Listed Building Consent will not normally be granted)

 

Can I view and get copies of the private drainage plans for my own property?

You can view and purchase copies if required at Planning Enquiries subject to the following: You provide proof of ownership and,if copies are required and the plans are less than 50 years old, you supply a copy of written permission from the copyright holder (e.g. agent, architect, engineer)

 

Can I view and get copies of the private drainage plans for property I do not own?

Building Regulations applications unlike planning applications are not public documents.  You can only view the file if you can provide the written consent of the property owner.  You can only have copies if you provide the written consent of the property owner and if the plans are less than 50 years old, the written consent of the copyright holder (e.g. agent, architect, engineer)