Planning Portal Cambridge: Applying for Planning Permission
The Planning Portal, Cambridge, is an online tool for residents and developers to submit, manage, track and comment on a planning application whilst also providing access to any local planning policies. It emphasises ecological sustainability, requiring developers to address environmental considerations like biodiversity protection and habitat conservation.
At Collington Winter Environmental, we support developers in meeting these ecological requirements, offering ecological services like surveys for protected species and other ecological support ensuring compliance with mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain.
You can find the Cambridge City Council Planning Portal here.
The Planning Portal, Cambridge Process
Applying for planning permission through the Cambridge Planning Portal involves several steps to enable 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, including project details.
- Attach all required plans, including any supporting information.
Consultation
- Once validated, the council will publicise the application with potential notices and inform any nearby properties.
- Relevant stakeholders, including neighbours and statutory bodies, will be invited to provide feedback.
Assessment
- Planning officers will review your application. Factors such as local planning policies, environmental impacts, and public feedback will all be assessed.
- If necessary, the proposal may need modification to address specific concerns.
- Ecological issues will be considered; unless accepted as proposed, you may need to modify/update your BNG proposal. Questions may be raised as to the proposed modifications in place for any protected species on the development. In this case, we can assist with any necessary changes and progress your application.
Decision making
- For straightforward applications, planning officers will process the decision.
- For larger or contentious projects, the application may be assessed by the planning committee for a decision.
- You will be notified of the decision in writing, as well as publication on the portal.
What ecological requirements are considered for the planning permission process?
When applying for planning permission on the Cambridge Planning Portal, ecological limitations may need to be considered. The most common ecological requirements include:
Ecological Surveys: Submission of comprehensive ecological surveys and assessments identifying any existing flora, fauna, and habitats on the proposed site. A study of the site’s ecosystems is often necessary.
Protected Species Assessment: Assessment of whether any endangered animals or rare plants which may be legally protected are present on the development site. Surveys for species, such as bats, birds, amphibians, and reptiles may be required.
Tree Surveys: The possibility of any damage to the health, structure, and stability of existing trees due to the development may need to be examined.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): From February 2024, it has been mandatory that any local development improves the surrounding ecological habitat by at least 10%, either through the creation of new habitats or off-site units purchased to relocate and offset the creation of habitat.
Landscape Surveys: For larger developments, the impact on the local landscape must be considered. Our in-house landscape architectural team regularly inspect and assess local proposed developments, ensuring they are in line with the requirements of the local area.
Ecological Clerk of Works: At Collington Winter Environmental, we can provide an Ecological Clerk of Works to oversee any habitat mitigation or creation during any difficult aspects of development, ensuring minimal harm to any local protected species and ensuring that habitats are created with the correct specifications.
Planning Portal, Cambridge: How can Collington Winter Environmental assist?
Here at Collington Winter Environmental, we aim to meet the needs of developers, ensuring a positive outcome for stakeholders and any surrounding wildlife to your development.
With any intended applications for development using the Cambridge Planning Portal, we can assist with providing all necessary ecological assessments and recommendations to support the application for your development, alongside ensuring all ecological requirements are prioritised to comply with Cambridge City Council requirements.
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
