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This information explains the service we provide to applicants and agents who are involved in submitting planning applications.
The majority of planning applications that comply with our planning policies and standards are approved. However, each application will continue to be dealt with having regard to the Council's planning policies and any other material consideration.
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 means of securing sustainable development which provides homes, jobs and services such as roads and schools while protecting and enhancing 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 may therefore not require planning permission.
In making planning decisions we aim to:
- safeguard the environment for the future,
- find the right balance between social, environmental and economic considerations,
- take into account the views of local people.
This is not always an easy balance to strike and we realise that planning proposals can often raise very strong feelings.
We can only refuse planning permission for development where the proposal would be contrary to the policies in the Spelthorne Core Strategy and Policies Development Plan Document, 'saved' Local Plan policies or where it is clear that the proposed development would demage 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
When processing an application we aim to:
- provide you with guidance and advice on your proposals before you make an application (there is a charge for this),
- respond to a written request for advice within 10 working days,
- return your calls within 1 working day,
- acknowledge your application within 5 working days of receipt, giving you the name of the case officer who will be dealing with the application and a target date for a decision, which will be no longer than 8 weeks from the date your application is received in a valid form,
- write to (or contact) you within 5 working days if your application is incomplete or invalid, explaining what is missing or how to correct any mistakes,
- negotiate with you to achieve improvements to submitted proposals in order to raise the quality of development in the Borough, or to overcome possible objections. However, this will normally only apply where the changes are relatively small scale and where these can be achieved in a single set of amendments,
- advise you of the Planning Committee date on which your application will be considered (provided it is not an application to be determined under 'delegated powers')*
- summarise letters or statements in support of your application to the Planning Committee,
- provide you with details of our public speaking arrangements and give you the opportunity to address the Planning Committee (provided your application is one that is dealt with by Committee),
- make all consultations and objection letters in the relevant planning file available to you at least 3 working days before your application is due to be considered by the Planning Committee,
- deal with your application as speedily as possible. We aim to determine 90% of householder applications within 8 weeks of receipt and 60% of major applications within 13 weeks. However, in order to maintain this high level of performance we will norally determine your application as submitted or upon receipt of a single set of amendments (if this can be achieved within the 8 week period),
- send out 85% of all decision notices within 3 working days of the decision being made (unless a legal agreement is involved),
- advise you how to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate if you are not happy with our decision,
- make current planning applications available for public inspection on the Council’s website through “Planning Applications Online” or at the Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines.
*Note: 'Delegated powers' are powers given to nominated senior planning staff by the Deputy Chief Executive which allow certain planning applications to be determined without going to Planning Committee.
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. See the separate webpage on pre-application advice.
- Provide us with four sets of completed application forms and plans, unless your application is submitted electronically, 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 and documents if they are required.
- Please ensure 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 drawing assists in evaluating the proposal.
- It is beneficial to let the occupiers of adjoining properties know what you are proposing before submitting a planning application as this can help speed up the processing of applications.
- Please quote the application number, case officer's name and the site address when you contact us.
- You can submit the planning application on line through the Planning Portal.
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 our requirements. We have a Duty Officer rota system at which we will give you verbal advice and it is recommended that you make an appointment, especially if you wish to speak to the case officer dealing with your application. However, queries can often be dealt with over the telephone.
Who to contact in planning about development control
Each planning application is allocated to a case officer. Their name is given on the acknowledgement letter and is referred to in the top right hand corner of any 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 contact Heather Morgan, Head of Planning and Housing Strategy at 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 which you can follow.
Other contacts
Assistant Head of Planning:
Paul Underwood - Telephone: 01784 446351
Principal Planning Officers:
Esmé Spinks – Telephone: 01784 446356
Paul Tomson - Telephone: 01784 446353
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