Frequently Asked Questions
On this page you can see a list of Frequently Asked
Questions regarding the Planning process
Questions
Answers
Do I require planning permission?
Planning permission is required in most cases when works and/or
changes of use occur to buildings, structures or land. For further
information and a detailed breakdown of the types of development
which fall within the Development Corporation’s ambit please
consult the How to Submit a Planning Application page.
Where can I find copies of the Development Corporation’s planning
application forms?
Links to downloadable copies of all the Development
Corporation’s planning application forms can be found on the
Making
a Planning Application page. Copies are also available on
request; please contact
the Development Corporation for further information.
Where can I receive assistance with completing the planning
application forms?
All of the Development Corporation’s planning application forms
have associated guidance notes to aid you. You can also telephone
or visit the Development Corporation’s Offices, where a
member of the Planning Department will be able to help you.
Is there a charge for making a planning application?
A charge is associated with most planning applications; the
amount is dependant on the type of planning application and
proposal. A Schedule of
Application Fees (PDF, new window, 326KB) can be
viewed and downloaded from the Development Corporation’s website.
Alternatively, the
Online Fee Calculator (new window) (through a
combination of simple questions) can provide you with an accurate
amount for your planning application.
What is the procedure after a planning application is
submitted?
Once a planning application is received by the Development
Corporation it is reviewed by the planning department to ensure
that everything required to process it has been completed and
included. The checklist on each application form and the guidance
notes that accompany the planning application forms, explain what
is needed to make an application valid.
After reviewing the application we will send out an
acknowledgement letter. This will confirm whether the application
is valid, if any information or documents are missing, the name and
contact details of the case officer dealing with the application
and the date at the end of which a decision on the application
will, in most cases, have been made.
Once an application is valid and been assigned to a case officer
the application will go out for consultation. During this period
consultation letters will be circulated to statutory consultees,
neighbours and other parties as required by the type of
application. In addition, notices will be placed around the site of
the proposal and in local newspapers / publications.
Following the consultation period the case officer will assess
the consultation responses and fully evaluate the proposal against
local / national policies. A report will then be written and a
recommendation made.
Dependant on the type of application, and the extent of the
proposal, a decision will be made by the planning department or the
Planning Committee. If the application requires a decision to be
made by the Planning Committee, then the applicant and those who
commented will be notified by letter prior to the meeting and
invited to attend. For further information on the Planning
Committee please view the Planning Committee page.
After a decision either to approve, with appropriate conditions
and/or section 106 agreement, or refuse the application has been
has been made, a formal Decision Notice will be issued.
Further information on all of the planning application processes
and procedures is available on the
Planning Portal website (new window).
Where can I view plans and information associated with planning
applications?
All Planning applications and documentation including plans,
drawings and other supporting documents can be viewed on the
Development Corporation’s Applications Search or, alternatively, at
the Development
Corporation’s offices Monday to Friday, between 9.00am –
4.30pm.
How can I comment on a planning application?
If you would like to comment on a planning application you can
do so by email, fax or in writing to the Planning Department
stating the application address and reference number.
Alternatively, you can submit specific or general comments online.
Please view the Viewing and Commenting on a Planning Application
page for further details.
Do I need a Flood Risk Assessment?
Flood risk is a material planning consideration and it is the
applicant’s responsibility to assess whether their development is
at risk from flooding or likely to increase flooding elsewhere, and
then mitigate those risks. To find out more about managing flood
risks please view the
Environment Agency Flood Management (new
window) pages.
Will I need to submit a Design and Access Statement?
All applications submitted to the Development Corporation will
require a Design and Access Statement. This is required by the
Planning
and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (new window).
The Design and Access Statement is a document which is submitted
with a planning application that describes the design and thinking
behind a proposal. It should illustrate that an applicant has
thought carefully about how everyone will be able to use the
development they wish to build.
A statement should include a written description and
justification of the planning application. It does not need to be
long or complex; however, the amount of detail should be
proportionate to the complexity of the application. The statement
should use simple language, avoid the excessive use of technical
terminology and should be written specifically for the application
it accompanies.
In addition, it may be useful to include photos, maps and drawings
to clarify issues and justify more clearly the overall
proposal.
Further information can be found in the document
Design and Access Statements: How to write, read and use
them (new window).
What is contaminated land?
Contaminated land is land that has been polluted with harmful
substances either on the surface or underground and which now poses
a significant risk to the environment and/or human health.
If it is unclear whether land has been subjected to a
potentially contaminating use, development will only be allowed
after a thorough investigation of the nature, type and degree of
contamination.
On land that is contaminated, no development will be permitted
until the site has been fully decontaminated to a standard
appropriate to the proposed end use.
For further details on contaminated land and your obligations
please view the
Environment Agency Contaminated Land (new
window) pages.
Do I have to meet Disability Discrimination Act
requirements?
If you or your organisation provides services to the public then
you are required by law to make reasonable adjustments to the
existing environment and/or any proposed environments to ensure
compliance with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination
Act 1995.
For further information on your responsibilities and, what you
need to do, please consult the
Code of Practice Rights of Access: services to the public,
public authority functions, private clubs and premises
(new window).
Can I appeal against a decision on my planning
application?
If you are dissatisfied with a decision, for example, if your
application is refused, or conditions imposed, you may appeal to
the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
For further information please consult the Development
Corporation’s Planning
Appeals and Planning
Inspectorate, as they will usually handle such an appeal.
What is Unauthorised Development?
It sometimes happens that development (which could be either a
change of use or a new building) is carried out either without
planning permission or not in accordance with a planning permission
that has been granted. In such cases the matter may be reported to
the local planning authority which will investigate the matter and
may take enforcement action against a breach of planning control if
it is considered expedient to do so.
The Development Corporation only has power to consider taking
action in respect of unauthorised works to Listed Buildings and may
serve enforcement action or mount legal proceedings if it is
considered appropriate so to do.
Any reports of alleged unauthorised works to listed buildings
should be reported to the Development Corporation in writing or by
email to planners@thurrocktgdc.org.uk.
Please give details of the alleged breach and your contact details
so that we can keep you advised.
All other planning enforcement matters should be referred to
Thurrock Council at development.control@thurrock.gov.uk.
For further information on planning enforcement and contact
details please refer to
Thurrock Council’s Enforcement (new window)
Pages.
Back to
top