Welcome to Environment and Planning
Planning applications - frequently asked questions
- What is planning permission?
- Is there only one type of planning permission?
- How long does planning permission last for?
- What needs planning permission?
- Do house extensions need permission?
- How do I apply?
- Do I have to pay a fee when I apply?
- What happens to my application once it has been submitted?
- How is my application assessed?
- Who is consulted?
- Can I apply for permission on land that I don't own?
- How long does it take for my application to be approved?
- Who makes the decision on my planning application?
- How do I find out about the decision?
- What if I do not like the decision?
- How do I find out about applications in the neighbourhood?
- How do I make my views known?
- Is there a right of appeal for neighbours?
1. What is planning permission?
Applying for planning permission means that you are applying for a
legal document which relates to a development at a particular site,
for example a house extension or the building of a new factory. The
planning permission is attached to the land and can normally be
implemented by anyone, not necessarily the person who has applied
for planning permission in the first place.
2. Is there only one type of planning permission?
No. Whilst most planning permissions are granted based on full
proposals, it can be applied for in outline, which means that "in
principle", approval may be given prior to the submission of full
details - this often happens with larger scale developments such as
housing estates.
3. How long does planning permission last
for?
Planning permission normally expires after five
years, unless work has been started but not yet finished within
that period. In the case of outline permissions, application for
approval of reserved matters must be made within three years.
Development must then start within five years of the date that
outline permission is granted or, if later, within two years of the
final approval of the last reserved matter.
4. What needs planning permission?
Most types of
development including new buildings, alterations to existing
buildings, changes of use of buildings and land, and engineering
works, such as minerals extraction and waste disposal.
5. Do house extensions need permission?
You can carry out many types of minor alterations such as new
windows, small extensions and garden sheds, in many circumstances
without permission. However, these are subject to certain
limitations and you are always advised to check with the Planning
Services Division before you start anything. You should also check
out whether or not you need building regulation permission.
6. How do I apply?
You need to complete forms and provide detailed plans of the site
and what is proposed, along with location plans to legally define
the site. Completed applications should be submitted to the
Planning Services Division. The Council requires applications to be
made on forms provided by them which include a simplified version
for householder applications and include guidance notes in all
cases. You can also submit plans online using the National Planning Portal (opens in new
window).
7. Do I have to pay a fee when I apply?
Yes, in most cases. The scale of fees are set down by the
Government. The Planning Services Division can inform you of
current fees, as well as any exemptions that may apply, for example
if the proposed extension is for a disabled person.
8. What happens to my application once it has been
submitted?
We will send you an acknowledgement letter (if an agent submitted
the application on your behalf, the letter will be sent to your
agent). The letter will give the name and telephone number of the
officer dealing with your application and a date by we should have
made a decision on your application. This date will be 8 weeks from
the date we receive your application. However, in most cases
householder applications will be dealt with in less than 8 weeks.
If your application is incomplete, a letter explaining what is
wrong with your application and asking for extra information will
be sent to you (or your agent if you have one) within a few days of
your application being submitted to us.
9. How is my application assessed?
A planning
officer visits the site and ensures that any necessary technical
and neighbour consultations are carried out. During this period,
negotiations are often carried out with developers to iron out any
difficulties with the application. All planning applications are
subject to publicity and consultations which take at least 21
days. We cannot issue a decision before this period has
expired. Once the site visit, consultations and any necessary
negotiations have been carried out, we will make a decision. More
complex and controversial applications are reported to the Planning
Committee, which meets on a monthly cycle and members of the public
are welcome to attend these meetings. Applications are normally
only refused if there are planning policy reasons or other planning
issues which cannot be overcome by negotiation.
10. Who is consulted?
Planning legislation states that we should notify occupiers of
any properties who might be affected by your proposal. This will
always include your next door neighbours, and in many cases the
occupiers of any houses at the rear of your house as well. The
letter will explain that a planning application has been submitted,
where a copy of the application can be inspected, and what the
person receiving the letter can do if he/she wants to make any
comments on your application. By law, we must also keep the
details of all planning applications in a register, which is kept
at the offices of the Department of Regeneration and
Neighbourhoods. Anyone may look at this register if they wish to.
In some cases, we may also need to consult other bodies about your
application such as North West Water, the Environment Agency, the
Coal Authority and the Police and Fire Authorities. Other Divisions
of the council are also often consulted on matters such as highway
safety, environmental health and the effect of proposed development
on existing trees.
11. Can I apply for permission on land that I don't
own?
Yes, but you need to serve a formal notice on
the owner. This also applies if you are applying for something
which encroaches from your property onto a neighbour's, for
example, as a result of overhanging gutters, leaves or footings.
The necessary information can be obtained from the Planning
Services Division.
12. How long does it take for my application to be
approved?
We aim to deal with most applications within eight weeks and
quicker in some cases, particularly for householder developments.
However, sometimes there are unavoidable delays, for example, in
order to await consultation replies or to complete negotiations
with the applicant.
13. Who makes the decision on my planning
application?
Decisions on most minor applications are taken under delegated
powers to the Director of Regeneration and Neighbourhoods. More
complex and controversial applications are reported to the Planning
Committee which meets on a monthly cycle, and members of the public
are welcome to attend the meetings and can now
speak out on planning applications at the discussions. We may
then decide to either grant permission, grant permission with
conditions, or refuse the application.
14. How do I find out about the decision?
A
decision notice is sent to the applicant. This would, in the
case of permissions which have been granted, set out any conditions
which are imposed. Where permission has been refused, the decision
notice will set out the reasons for refusal. Anyone objecting
to a planning application will be notified of the decision.
15. What if I do not like the decision?
Applicants
have a right of appeal to the Government's Planning Inspectorate
against either a refusal or the imposition of conditions. This
process will be fully explained in the decision notice
documentation package. Further details can be obtained from the
Planning Inspectorate (opens in new
window).
16. How do I find out about applications in the
neighbourhood?
We keep a public register in the office of all planning
applications which have been received. You are welcome to inspect
this if you wish. In addition, we notify affected neighbours about
applications. Site and press notices are also used to publicise the
more controversial applications and proposals affecting
conservation areas and listed buildings.
17. How do I make my views known?
By writing to the Director of Regeneration and Neigbourhoods. The
law requires your comments to normally be made available to members
of the public, including to the applicant, to read and make
copies. We will take into account any comment relevant to the
planning merits of the case in making a decision. You can submit
any comments to us in writing, or email dcconsultations@knowsley.gov.uk.
18. Is there a right of appeal for neighbours?
No. At
the time of publication of guidance, the law only gives a right of
appeal to applicants.
What's New...
Planning Highlights...
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All you need to know about planning applications, building regulation and how to apply...
