Alston Planning Portal: Applying for Planning Permission
Planning a development in Alston – whether it’s a home renovation, a new build, or a rural land project – requires a clear understanding of the planning permission process. Located in the North Pennines Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Alston is one of England’s highest market towns and is surrounded by sensitive landscapes and rich biodiversity. As such, development proposals must be carefully planned to meet both local and environmental regulations.
Planning in Alston falls under the jurisdiction of the Eden District Council, which oversees applications to ensure that developments support the area’s character, heritage, and ecological integrity. Projects that fail to address environmental concerns – especially biodiversity – can face delays or refusal.
To improve your chances of success, it’s important to address environmental impact from the start. That’s where Collington Winter Environmental comes in. Our experienced ecological consultants help guide applicants through the planning process, providing essential services such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, protected species surveys, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) plans.
Ecological Considerations for Alston Development
- Ecological Surveys – To assess ecosystems and plant species that may require special attention
- Protected Species Assessment – To identify any protected species which may be present, such as bats and badgers, that may need protection plans
- Tree surveys – To evaluate the impact on trees on the site
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) – Any new developments are legally required to improve the local ecological habitat by at least 10%, either directly on-site or by offsetting the requirement elsewhere.
- Landscape Surveys – Consideration must be given to the potential impact on the surrounding landscape.
- Ecological Clerk of Works – Collington Winter can delegate an ecological clerk of works to oversee any assessments with respect to protected species and BNG
How to Apply for Planning Permission in Alston
- Prepare Your Application Documents
Collect all required materials, including architectural drawings, site plans, planning statements, and ecological surveys. Under current national guidance, many projects will also need to show a minimum 10% improvement in biodiversity through a BNG strategy.
- Submit via the Alston Planning Portal
Upload your document to the council’s online system to formally submit your application.
- Public Consultation and Council Review
Once validated, your application will be uploaded to the planning register. As the local community are entitled to search for planning applications in their area, it will be prone to public comment. Council officers will assess it based on local policy and environmental considerations, including any impact on protected habitats or species.
- Decision Issued
A planning officer or committee will issue a decision after reviewing all documents and public feedback.
How can Collington Winter Assist?
At Collington Winter Environmental, we support Alston-based Projects with expert ecological advice – ensuring that your development is both environmentally responsible and planning-compliant.
For tailored support, contact us at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk or call 01204 93908 and take that next step with confidence.
Contact Us
Registered Address
23 Bark Street East, 1st Floor, Bolton, BL1 2BQ
Cambridge Office
Future Business Centre, Cambridge Campus, Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2HY
Leicester Office
Rutland House, 23-25 Friar Lane, Leicester, LE1 5QQ
Bristol Office
Newminster House, 27-29 Baldwin Street, Bristol, BS1 1LT
Telephone
Head Office: 01204 939 608
Dumfries Office: 01387 378208
