Planning Portal Berwick-upon-Tweed: The Application Process
The Berwick-upon-Tweed Planning Portal is an online hub designed to streamline residents’ and developers’ access to planning services and information. It effectively simplifies the process of submitting and tracking proposals as well as managing applications.
Berwick-upon-Tweed requires a clear understanding of ecological challenges that may appear when initiating a new development plan. Seeking environmental guidance when undergoing the project development process in the area in which protected species may reside can make certain your plan prioritises the necessary environmental considerations.
At Collington Winter Environmental, we can support you with the aim of meeting planning permission requirements with regard to ecological requirements, offering an extensive range of assistance to ensure environmental principles are met and your project lands with its intended effect.
Planning applications for Berwick-upon-Tweed should be submitted through the Northumberland County Council planning portal.
The Planning Application Process
Applying for planning permission through the Berwick-upon-Tweed Planning Portal involves several steps to ensure a smooth and sufficient process. These steps involve:
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).
- Biodiversity Net Gain proposal (which must provide a minimum of 10% improvement to the local area), which has been mandatory since 12 February 2024.
Submitting the application
- Complete the online planning application, including specific project details.
- Attach all required plans, including any supporting information.
Consultation
- Once validated, the application will be publicised on the portal.
- Relevant parties such as neighbours and stakeholders will be invited to provide feedback.
Assessment
- A review of your application will begin, factoring in potential drawbacks such as local planning policies, environmental impacts, relevant stakeholders, and public feedback.
- If necessary, the proposal may need modification to address specific environmental concerns.
- Ecological provisions will be considered, and you may need to modify your BNG proposal.
Decision making
- For straightforward applications, planning offices will make the decision.
- For larger or contentious projects, the application may be brought before a planning committee for a decision.
- You will be notified of the application decision in writing and published on the portal.
What Ecological Requirements are Considered for the Planning Permission Process?
When applying for planning permission on the Berwick-upon-Tweed Planning Portal, ecological requirements must be targeted. The most common ecological requirements include:
- Ecological Surveys – To identify any ecosystem or plants that may require extra attention while planning your project.
- Protected Species Assessment – To assess any protected species or conservation areas which may need specific mitigation plans on your site, such as bats and badgers.
- Tree surveys – To determine the potential impact on the health and stability of existing trees on and around the development location.
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) – From February 2024, it is mandatory to ensure any developments are improving the local ecological habitat by at least 10%, either directly on-site or offsetting the requirement elsewhere.
- Landscape Surveys – As Berwick-upon-Tweed hosts a collection of listed buildings and nature reserves, consideration must be given to the potential impact on the 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 can Collington Winter Environmental Assist Your Application in Berwick-upon-Tweed
Collington Winter Environmental can assist with all ecological requirements within project development proposals. We offer an Ecological Clerk of Works service to help with any necessary assessments of surveys that may be requested from your local council. With the right professional advice, project management can run smoothly to ensure a successful project that is in line with Berwick-upon-Tweed Town Council standards.
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
