Planning Permission for Housing Developments

Obtaining Planning Permission for Housing Development

Obtaining planning permission for a housing developments in the UK involves following a structured process. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

• Pre-application Research: Before submitting a planning application, it’s essential to conduct research and due diligence. Obtain some pre-application advice and understand the local planning policies of your local council, development location plans, and any constraints or requirements specific to the area. Engage with planning consultants, planning committees, architects, or professionals experienced in the local area planning process to guide you.
• Pre-application Consultation: Engaging in pre-application consultation with the local planning authority (LPA) and other relevant stakeholders is advisable. This helps to identify any potential issues or concerns early on and allows you to make adjustments to your development proposal accordingly.
• Prepare the Planning Application: Once you have a well-developed proposal, prepare the planning application. This typically includes architectural drawings, site plans, design and access statements, environmental assessments, and any other required documents specified by the LPA. The application forms can be obtained from the LPA’s website or planning portal.
• Submitting the Application: Submit the planning application to the LPA. Ensure that you provide all the necessary information and pay the required fees. Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.
• Application Validation: The LPA will review your application to ensure it is complete and meets the necessary requirements. If any information or documents are missing, they may request additional information or clarification. Once validated, the formal assessment process begins.
• Public Consultation: The LPA may require public consultation, such as sending notification letters to nearby residents or posting site notices. This gives the local community an opportunity to provide feedback or raise objections within a specified timeframe. Consider engaging with the community proactively to address concerns and build support for your proposal.
• Application Assessment: The LPA will assess your application against local planning policies, national guidelines (such as the National Planning Policy Framework), and any specific considerations for the area. They will evaluate factors like design, impact on the local environment, infrastructure, and community benefits.
• Decision: The LPA has a statutory period, usually eight weeks, to make a decision on the planning application. They may grant planning permission, refuse it, or grant permission with specific conditions. If approved, the decision notice will outline any requirements that must be met before and during construction.
• Appeals: If the planning permission is refused or granted with unfavourable conditions, you have the right to appeal the decision. This involves submitting an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, an independent body that reviews planning-related appeals.

The planning process can be complex and time-consuming. Working with professionals familiar with the local planning system, such as our planning consultants, can effectively outline the planning permission process and increase your chances of success. Our team at Collington Winter can provide guidance, help with the application, and represent you during the process.

Ecological Constraints Surrounding Planning Permission for Housing Developments

Ecological constraints play a significant role in the planning permission process for housing developments in the UK. The protection of wildlife, habitats, and the environment is an important consideration to ensure sustainable development.

Certain species of plants and animals in the UK are legally protected under various wildlife and conservation laws. These may include species such as bats, badgers, great crested newts, and nesting birds. If a proposed development site is known or suspected to support protected species, specific surveys or assessments may be required to determine their presence and potential impacts. Mitigation measures may need to be incorporated into the development plans to minimize harm or create alternative habitats.

The UK also has designated sites of ecological importance, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Areas (SPA), and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). Local planning authorities must consider the potential impact of a development on these habitats and biodiversity. Preservation and enhancement of ecological networks, green corridors, and open spaces are encouraged to maintain or enhance biodiversity.

Major developments that are likely to have significant environmental effects, including ecological impacts, may require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This assessment evaluates the potential impacts on flora, fauna, ecosystems, and habitats and considers measures to mitigate any adverse effects.

Additonally, development near watercourses or flood risk areas must consider the impact on water quality, hydrology, and flood risk. Local planning authorities often require assessments and flood mitigation measures to safeguard ecosystems and prevent adverse effects on habitats and species.

How can Collington Winter assist?

Collington Winter is passionate about ecology and provides a holistic and innovative approach to environmental management. Our ecological consultants are fast-paced problem solvers, working with clients to obtain formal planning approval for their developments.

We provide a range of ecological services to help our clients to identify whether there may be any ecological issues with their proposal plans during the planning permission process. These include:

• preliminary ecological appraisals
• protected species surveys
• tree surveys
• ecological clerk of works
• biodiversity net gain

We can comment on many different types of planning permission applications and identify any mitigation measures that may need to be taken if any environmental constraints are identified.

If you are looking for an ecological consultant to assist you with planning permission for housing developments, please get in touch today at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk or call the team on 01204 939 608.