Planning Portal Leicester: Applying for Planning Permission
The Leicester Planning portal is an online portal that makes plans for new project developments accessible to project developers in and around the City of Leicester. It allows developers to submit and keep track of planning applications while managing proposals and reviewing planning applications for other projects.
Project developers within Leicester should be aware that ecological challenges are common when initiating a new development plan. Therefore, consulting environmental guidance when beginning the project development process can ensure your plan prioritises the necessary environmental considerations.
At Collington Winter Environmental, we help project developers navigate the ecological requirements involved in the project development process. We offer an extensive range of assistance to ensure environmental principles are not neglected and your project lands rewardingly.
Planning applications for Leicester should be submitted through the Leicester City Council planning portal.
The Planning Application Process
When applying for planning permission through the Leicester Planning Portal, there are several steps involved to encourage a successful application. These steps include:
Preparing the application
Prepare necessary documents, including:
- Application forms (available on the Leicester Planning Portal).
- Detailed site plans and drawings (e.g. elevations, floor plans, extensions).
- 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 located either on-site or off-site), mandatory since 12th February 2024.
Submitting the application
- Fill out the online planning application, including specific project details.
- Attach all required plans, including any supporting information such as ecological conservation efforts.
Consultation
- If validated, the application will then be published on the portal.
- Relevant parties, such as neighbours and stakeholder’s, will be invited to provide any 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 officers in your district council will make the final decision.
- For large scale 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 your application status will be updated on the portal.
What Ecological Requirements are Considered for the Planning Permission Process?
When applying for planning permission on the Leicester Planning Portal, ecological impact should be considered. Local councils often have specific requirements for the mitigation of ecological impact. The most common requirements include:
- Ecological Surveys – To identify ecosystems or plants that may require extra care 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 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 Leicester hosts a collection of historically listed buildings and greenspace, 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 provide an ecological clerk of works to manage any assessments with respect to protected species and BNG.
How can Collington Winter Environmental Assist Your Application on the Leicester Planning Portal?
Collington Winter Environmental is an ecologically experienced consultancy, providing professional and efficient ecological services to project developers across England and Wales. Our Ecological Clerk of Work’s team is here to assist with the management of any protected species surveys or habitat assessments, as well as overseeing ecological practices during the project development process. This way, your project can land successfully without any difficulty.
If you are interested in our services, contact us using the form below. Alternatively, 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
