This information deals specifically with development control and sets out the service we provide to applicants and agents who are involved in submitting planning applications.

You will be pleased to learn that the large majority of planning applications are approved. However these are normally those that comply with our planning policies and standards, although each application will continue to be dealt with on its own particular planning merits. No two sites or proposals are identical!

At the end of the process, whatever the eventual decision might be, we hope in all circumstances you will at least feel you have been treated properly and been given a decent service.

The planning service

The planning system seeks to guide appropriate development to the right place and prevent development which is not acceptable. It is a proven means for securing sustainable development which provides homes, jobs and services such as roads and schools while protecting and enhancing the best of our urban and rural environment. Most new buildings, major alterations to existing buildings, changes of use of land and buildings and some engineering operations need planning permission. Some minor development such as a small extension to a house may be allowed as "permitted development" and hence may not require planning permission.

In making planning decisions we aim to:-

• make sure the environment is not damaged for future generations.

• find the right balance between social, environmental and economic considerations.

• listen to the views of local people on planning issues.

These are not always easy balances to strike and we realise that planning proposals can often raise very emotive issues.

We can only refuse planning permission for development where the proposal would be contrary to the policies in the Spelthorne Borough Local Plan and/or Surrey Structure Plan and where it is clear that the proposed development would damage the environment, the appearance of the area or the quality of lives of local people to an unacceptable extent. We cannot reject a proposal on non-planning grounds or simply because a lot of people are against it.

The standards we aim to meet

Our target is to provide a customer responsive planning service. If you are affected by a planning proposal we aim to:-

• Publicise planning applications by a variety of means, including individual letters and advertisements in the local newspaper, so that those people who may be affected by planning proposals have an opportunity to comment upon them and have their comments taken into consideration before a decision is made.

• Give you the name of the case officer who will be dealing with the planning application in our initial letter of notification.

• Allow at least 21 days to comment on the planning application in our initial letter of notification.

• Reconsult on amended plans where applicable and allow at least a further seven days for comment.

• make current planning applications available for public inspection on the Council’s web site through “Public Access” at www.spelthorne.gov.uk or at the Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines. If asked we will make special arrangements for the housebound to view applications.

• Ensure that everyone commenting in writing on a planning application is advised of the Planning Committee date (in those cases where the application is decided by the Committee) and given an information leaflet and guidance notes.
  
  
  Note:  Many smaller scale proposals are determined under what are called "delegated powers" by the Strategic Director (Community) and are not determined by the Planning Committee.  In addition, large scale proposals can be refused permission under delegated powers.

• Summarise in the reports under delegated powers and to Planning Committee the main points made in letters of objection or support.

• Make all consultation and objection letters on planning files available for inspection.

• Provide an opportunity to address the Planning Committee.

• Ensure a planning officer is available on a rota system during office hours and, on request outside normal office hours if possible, to give you information.

• Return your telephone calls within one working day.

• Respond to your enquiries in a timely, helpful and courteous manner.

• Inform you of the decision within five working days of it being made.

• Advise you of any appeal to the Planning Inspectorate in relation to any planning application on which you have commented.

• Provide you with informal advice on how to make your views known about a planning issue that is of interest or concern to you.

What to do when making a planning application

• Contact us before you make your application to check any relevant policies or potential areas for objection.  We would advise you that the Council operates a charge for all pre-application advice with the exception of minor household development.  See the separate leaflet on charges for pre-application advice.

• Let us have four sets of completed applications forms and plan with the appropriate certificate of ownership and correct planning fee. On some applications we have to consult widely so we may ask for extra copies of the plans (or supporting documents) if we need them.

• Please make sure the plans you submit are accurate and clear and show the relationship of the site to adjacent properties. For new "infill" development a street elevation assists in evaluating the proposal.

• It is often seen as courteous to let the occupier(s) of adjoining properties know what you are proposing before submitting a planning application to us. Indeed such good neighbourliness can help speed up the processing of applications.

• Please quote the application number, case officer's name and/or site address when you contact us.

• You can submit the planning application on line through the Council’s Public Access System at www.spelthorne.gov.uk.

If you want further advice what should you do?

We are always willing to give advice on your proposals so that you are aware of Spelthorne's requirements. Although we have a Duty Officer rota system operating on alternate half days, in order to make your visit more worthwhile, it is recommended that you make an appointment, especially if you wish to speak to the case officer dealing with your application. Often when doing so the query can be dealt with more efficiently over the telephone.  We would advise you that the Council operates a charge for all pre-application advice with the exception of minor household developments.  See the separate leaflet on charges for pre-application advice.

Spelthorne's best value standards - Keeping up performances

Following the Best Value Review of the Development Control Section in 1999 the Council is committed to process as many planning applications as possible within the statutory eight week and 13 week periods. This has resulted in a marked change of culture that (a) involves a greater emphasis being place on you discussing planning proposals with us before they are submitted and (b) that applications are now normally determined as submitted.

Who to contact in planning about development control

The case officer - each planning application is allocated to a named case officer. The name is given on the acknowledgement letter and is referred to in the top right hand corner of any other letter you receive from us. The reference number for the application will also be shown on the letter.

What to do if you are not happy with the service

If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received please write or telephone Heather Morgan, Head of Planning and Housing Strategy on

01784 446352. All written complaints will be investigated and a written response given within 14 days. If you are not happy with the response you receive Spelthorne Borough Council has a formal complaints procedure as detailed below.

Spelthorne's complaints procedure

Spelthorne Borough Council is committed to providing a high level of service to everyone in the community we serve. We try very hard of course to avoid anybody having to make a complaint. However there may be a time when you remain unhappy about some aspect of our planning service. In the first instance we always recommend you contact the Head of Planning in an attempt to resolve the problem.

If you remain unhappy there is a specific "formal complaints procedure" you can follow.

Other contacts

Assistant Head of Planning:
Paul Underwood - Tel: 01784 446351

Principal Planning Officers:
Esmé Spinks – Tel: 01784 446356
Paul Tomson - Tel: 01784 446353


Revised April 2007