Ashford Planning Portal: Applying for Planning Permission
If you’re planning a development project in Ashford – whether it’s a home extension, a commercial build, or a new housing scheme – securing planning permission is one of the first essential steps. The planning process in Ashford is overseen by the Ashford Borough Council, which ensures all proposals align with local development policies, environmental regulations, and community objectives.
Ashford’s blend of historic architecture, expanding urban areas, and surrounding countryside means that planning decisions must balance growth with environmental protection. As the borough continues to develop, particular importance is placed on sustainability, green infrastructure, and biodiversity.
To help your application succeed, it is important to address ecological and environmental considerations from the beginning. Most developments – especially those impacting natural habitats – must now demonstrate Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), which requires a minimum 10% improvement in biodiversity post-development.
Considerations for Development in Ashford
- 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
Submitting a Planning Application in Ashford
- Prepare your Documents
You’ll need to gather planning forms, site plans, architectural drawings, and ecological assessments – including a BNG report if applicable.
- Submit Through the Ashford Planning Portal
Upload all documentation via the Ashford Borough Council’s online planning portal to begin the formal application process.
- Public Consultation and Review
Your application will be open for public comment and reviewed by planning officers for compliance with relevant policies and environmental impact.
- Await the Decision
A planning decision will be made by council officers or a committee, taking into account your documentation and feedback received during the consultation.
How can Collington Winter assist?
At Collington Winter Environmental, we work closely with developers, landowners and architects across Ashford to provide the ecological support needed for successful planning applications. Our services include preliminary ecological appraisals, protected species surveys (such as for bats, reptiles, and great crested newts), and tailored BNG strategies to meet both local and national planning requirements.
Contact Collington Winter Environmental at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk or 01204 939608 to ensure your Ashford project meets all planning and ecological standards with confidence.
Contact Us
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23 Bark Street East, 1st Floor, Bolton, BL1 2BQ
Cambridge Office
Future Business Centre, Cambridge Campus, Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2HY
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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
