Northumberland Planning Portal: Applying for Planning Permission
The Northumberland Planning Portal is a virtual hub which allows project developers to submit, manage, and track planning applications in Northumberland. It also enables users to comment on other planning applications. Developers should be aware of potential ecological requirements when undertaking a new project development, particularly in areas which may be home to protected species.
The Portal plays a vital role in supporting ecological sustainability by integrating environmental considerations into the planning process. It helps to ensure that new developments in the county of Northumberland align with ecological priorities.
At Collington Winter Environmental, our consultants can assist you in meeting planning permission requirements with regards to ecological requirements, such as undertaking surveys to identify and mitigate for the presence of protected species and also ensuring that Biodiversity Net Gain principles, which are now mandatory, are achieved.
You can find the Northumberland Planning Portal here.
Northumberland Planning Portal: The Process
Applying for planning permission through the Northumberland Planning Portal involves several steps to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Preparing the application
- Prepare necessary documents, including:
- Application forms (available on the Portal).
- Detailed site plans and drawings (e.g., elevations, floor plans).
- Supporting statements, such as a Design and Access Statement, ecological reports, or heritage assessments (if applicable).
- The Biodiversity net gain proposal (which must provide a minimum of 10% improvement to the local area).
Submitting the application
- Complete the online planning application form with details about the project.
- Attach all required plans and supporting information.
Consultation
- After validation, the council will publicise the application through notices, local media, or letters to nearby properties.
- Relevant stakeholders, including neighbours and statutory bodies, will be invited to provide feedback.
Assessment
- Planning officers will view and comment on your application, considering factors like local planning policies, environmental impacts, and public feedback.
- If needed, you may be asked to modify the proposal to address specific concerns.
- Ecological issues will be considered, and you may be asked to modify/update your BNG proposal unless it is accepted as proposed.
Decision making
- For straightforward applications, a decision is made by planning officers.
- For larger or contentious projects, the application may go to the planning committee for a decision.
- You will be notified of the decision in writing, and it will also be published on the Portal.
What ecological requirements are considered for the planning permission process?
When applying for planning permission on the Northumberland Planning Portal, all potential ecological recommendations should be considered. The most common ecological considerations include:
Ecological Surveys: Submission of comprehensive ecological surveys and assessments to identify existing protected plants and habitats on the project site. These surveys often involve studying the site’s wider ecosystems.
Protected Species Assessment: Determination of whether any legally protected species, such as endangered animals or rare plants, are present on or near the development site. This may require surveys for species like bats, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
Tree Surveys: A thorough assessment is made of how the proposed development may affect the health, structure, and stability of existing trees.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): Utilising the most up to date biodiversity metric tools, it is now mandatory to ensure that any new development improves the local ecological habitat by at least 10%. This should either be in the form of creation of a new habitat within the red line boundary of the development, or if this is not feasible, off-site units can be purchased to offset the creation of habitat elsewhere.
Landscape Surveys: For large-scale developments, considerations have to be given as to the impact on the local landscape. Our in-house landscape architectural team regularly complete local site inspections and assessments of a proposed development to ensure it is designed in a manner that fits in with the local area.
Ecological Clerk of Works: As part of any assessments completed in respect of Protected Species or BNG, we can provide an ecological clerk of works to oversee habitat mitigation or creation during difficult aspects of development to ensure minimal harm is caused to local protected species and that habitats are created to the correct specification.
Northumberland Planning Portal: How can Collington Winter Environmental assist?
Collington Winter Environmental believe in a pragmatic approach to development management. We meet the needs of developers whilst ensuring positive outcomes for wildlife and other stakeholders in your development, such as your Local Council.
With respect to any application you intend to make to the Northumberland Planning Portal, we can assist you with providing all necessary ecological assessments and recommendations to support the planning application for your development.
If you are interested in our services, contact us using the form below. You can also contact us via email at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk or call one of our team on 01204 939608
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
Telephone
Head Office: 01204 939 608
Dumfries Office: 01387 378208
