About the service

Most building work or changes of use require planning permission. Wider off-site benefits for the community can often be achieved through 'planning gain' agreements.

Special legislation allows us to regulate developments affecting historic (listed) buildings, Conservation Areas, advertisement hoarding and work to trees subject to preservation orders.

The views of local residents can be important in deciding a planning application. We consult affected neighbours by letter, consult tenant and resident associations and a wide range of voluntary and statutory consultees on planning applications. A weekly list of all applications received is produced for Members and placed in all Newham libraries. Some types of planning application are also advertised in the local press.

Small, uncontroversial applications are decided by nominated officers under powers delegated by Committee. The Committee decides larger, complex or controversial applications. Central government expects that the majority of applications will be decided within eight weeks.

Applicants who are refused planning permission can appeal to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and Regions who will review the decision. We have an excellent record of defending its planning decisions at Appeal.

Enforcement actioned by us ensures that planning controls are maintained. Part of the work involves checking new development for compliance with planning permission, but in Newham most enforcement work is investigating complaints from the public about activities and development which may contravene planning law.

Enforcement, therefore, plays an important role in protecting the local environment. The Service usually tries to sort out problems through informal action and negotiation, however, where this fails, it can start legal action to remedy breaches of planning control. Legal action is usually a lengthy and time-consuming process. There is a right of appeal against legal enforcement action.

Standards

General enquiries service: by telephone - Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm on 0208 430 2000. The Planning Duty Service operates from 9am to 1pm. By email at development.control@newham.gov.uk.

Dealing with planning applications:

• A planning officer available for detailed advice about applications between 9am and 1pm, Monday to Friday. Either phone 020 8430 2000 Ext. 38300 and ask for the Duty Planning Officer or visit the Development Control reception on the first floor of the Town Hall Annexe, 330-354 Barking Road, London, E6 2RT;
• Check and acknowledge receipt of all planning applications within five working days;
• Consult all neighbours affected within ten days of receipt by proposed development of application;
• Keep consultees informed and let interested parties know the decision within five working days;
• Determine 68 per cent of all applications within an average time of less than ten weeks;
• Determine all applications within eight weeks;
• Issue decision notices within three working days of decision.
  

Enforcement investigations:

• Acknowledge in writing referral of case within five working days;
• Carry out an initial investigation of all referrals and advice enquiries within 15 working days.