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FAQ : Frequently asked questions
You can use the FAQ section of the website to help you find answers to commonly asked questions.
Planning
FAQ : Who can help me with a planning enquiry?
Our planning department can help you. Either see our planning pages on this website, or use the contact details at the top of this page.
FAQ : May I discuss my planning application with a planning officer before I submit it?
Yes you can. Please use the contact details at the top of this page.
FAQ : Can I see all letter of objection for a property?
Yes you can. We have an open correspondence policy, please use the contact details at the top of this page for any enquiries.
FAQ : I am purchasing a property, can I see any previous planning applications for it?
Yes you can. You can view all planning applications on this website.
FAQ : I am buying a property and wish to check if planning permission has been obtained for extensions or alterations?
You can do that by looking on the planning decisions listing on this website.
FAQ : How can I check if planning permission has been granted for my neighbour?
You can do that by looking on the planning decisions listing on this website.
FAQ : Why was I not informed that my neighbour is having building work done?
It is possible that planning permission was not required. Alternatively you can contact our office direct by using the contact details above.
FAQ : Am I entitled to privacy in my back garden?
Please see the privacy section in the Development Control Standards No. 3.
FAQ : Does my neighbour need planning permission for a window he has installed which looks directly into one of my windows / garden?
If you are unsure of the planning requirements please see the planning pages on our website.
FAQ : How do I object to a planning application?
You will need to see the section on our website "commenting on a planning application".
FAQ : At what stage is plan 'x' at?
You can see if a decision has been made by visiting the relevant pages on our website. Alternatively you can contact our office direct by using the contact details above.
FAQ : Who is responsible for making a decision on plan 'x'?
It depend on the application. Please use the contact details above to find out which officer is dealing with your application.
FAQ : Can I speak to a planning officer about this application?
Yes you may. Please use the contact details above.
FAQ : How do I go about obtaining planning permission to extend my business premises?
Our planning department can help you. Either see our planning pages on this website, or use the contact details at the top of this page.
FAQ : How do I change usage of my property (eg from residential to business)?
Our planning department can help you. Either see our planning pages on this website, or use the contact details at the top of this page.
FAQ : How long will it take to hear if my planning application is successful?
An application can take up to 8 weeks. Our planning department can help you. Either see our planning pages on this website, or use the contact details at the top of this page.
FAQ : How much will planning permission cost me?
Please see the relevant page on fees on our website.
FAQ : What do I do? I live in a conservation area and wish to build an extension?
You will need to read the pages on building in a conservation area and our conservation areas webpage on our website.
FAQ : What do I do? I live in a listed building and wish to make some changes?
You will need to read the pages on making alterations to listed buildings on our website.
FAQ : Do I need planning permission for a dropped kerb?
You will need to consult with the advice given on the planning pages of our website. You need to read advice note 1.
FAQ : Do I need planning to have double glazing installed or replaced?
Not all double glazing requires planning permission. It is advisable to discuss your individual circumstances with a planning officer. Please use the contact details at the top of this page.
FAQ : Do I need planning permission for a satellite dish?
Please read the relevant pages on satellite dishes on our website.
FAQ : Do I need planning permission to put a notice up advertising my business?
Yes you do. Please see the relevant pages on the control of advertisements on our website.
FAQ : Can I look at planning applications on line?
Yes - go to the planning applications weekly listings index.
FAQ : Can I look at planning decisions on line?
Yes - go to the planning decisions weekly listings index.
FAQ : May I look at the planning register?
You are entitled to look at the planning register. Please use the contact details at the top of this page to arrange a mutually convenient time to visit our offices.
FAQ : Who owns the wall/fence at 'xyz'?
Unfortunately we would be unable to give you that information, please see the Land Registry website (www1.landregistry.gov.uk).
FAQ : Can you tell me who owns the land / access / corner plot of land as I want to buy it?
Unfortunately we would be unable to give you that information, please see the Land Registry website (www1.landregistry.gov.uk).
FAQ : Can I prune / cut down a large tree in my garden?
You will need to check whether the tree has a tree preservation order on it. Please use the contact details at the top of this page to contact a Planning Officer who will be able to help you.
FAQ : What is the maximum height for a hedge?
It depends upon the type of hedge you can check out further details on the Communities and Local Government's website (previously the ODPM) (www.communities.gov.uk) in the planning section. Or you can use the contact details at the top of this page to contact a Planning Officer who will be able to help you.
See also : the planning homepage
If none of these answer your question(s) then please contact :
- Planning Services - see contact details
- other non-planning related council business matters, Tel : (01273) 263000 or send a general enquiry e-mail
- Website matters : Webmaster
