Planning FAQs (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.
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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.
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3. How long does
planning permission last for?
Planning permission normally expires after three 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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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13. Who makes the decision on my planning
application?
Decisions on most minor applications are taken under delegated
powers to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy and
Skills. 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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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17. How do I make my views known?
By writing to the Executive Director of Regeneration,
Economy and Skills. 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.
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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.
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