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Planning Applications
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
Reception and general enquiries service: Monday to Friday between
9am and 5pm.
Dealing with planning applications:
- Staff available for detailed advice about applications
between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday;
- 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.
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