Planning Portal Chester: Applying for Planning Permission
The Chester Planning portal is an online service used to propose plans for new project developments in and around the City of Chester. It allows project developers to submit and track planning applications while managing the proposal and commenting on planning applications for other projects.
Project developers within Chester should be aware of potential 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 ensure that your plan prioritises the necessary environmental considerations.
At Collington Winter Environmental, we can support you in meeting the ecological requirements involved in every planning permission process, offering an extensive range of assistance to ensure environmental principles are met and your project lands with ecological conservation accounted for.
Planning applications for Chester should be submitted through the Cheshire West and Chester Council planning portal.
The Planning Application Process
Applying for planning permission through the Chester 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 Chester Planning 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 BNG (which must provide a minimum of 10% improvement to the local area), 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
- If validated, the application will then be publicised on the portal.
- Relevant parties such as neighbours and stakeholder’s 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 final decision.
- For larger or contentious projects, the application may be brought before a planning committee for a discussion.
- You will be notified of the success of your application in writing and it will be published on the portal.
What Ecological Requirements are Considered for the Planning Permission Process?
When applying for planning permission on the Chester 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 consideration 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. If hazardous/diseased trees are present, steps should be taken to solve this issue.
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) – From February 2024, it has been mandatory to ensure all developments are improving the local ecological habitat by at least 10%, either directly on-site or offsetting the requirement elsewhere.
- Landscape Surveys – As Chester hosts a collection of historically listed buildings, consideration must be given to the potential impact on the landscape. Local councils may require new projects to fit in with the aesthetic of the area.
- 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 on the Chester Planning Portal?
Collington Winter Environmental is here to support all ecological needs in your project development proposals. We provide an Ecological Clerk of Works to assist with any protected species and habitat assessments or surveys requested by your local council, including tree and landscape surveys. With expert guidance, we ensure that project management progresses seamlessly, delivering a successful outcome for both project developers and Chester Town Council.
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
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