Chorley Borough Council Planning Permission

Navigating the Chorley Borough Council Planning Permission Process: A Comprehensive Guide

Obtaining planning permission from Chorley Borough Council can seem daunting, but understanding the process can significantly increase your chances of success. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from initial application to appeal, ensuring you're well-equipped to navigate the complexities of planning regulations within the Chorley Borough. We'll cover everything from understanding planning policies to submitting a compelling application and handling potential objections. This guide aims to demystify the process and empower you to achieve your development goals.

Understanding Chorley Borough Council's Planning Policies

Before you even begin drafting your application, it's crucial to understand the local planning policies that govern development within the Chorley Borough. These policies are designed to ensure sustainable development, protect the environment, and preserve the character of the area. The council's website provides access to their Local Plan, which outlines key planning objectives and policies. Key areas to focus on include:

• Chorley Local Plan: This document sets out the overall vision for the borough's development, including housing targets, infrastructure improvements, and environmental considerations. Understanding the Local Plan is paramount; it dictates what types of development are permitted and where.
• Planning Policy Documents: Beyond the Local Plan, there are likely supplementary planning documents addressing specific issues like design, conservation, and sustainability. These are essential for understanding the nuances of development within specific areas.
• Neighbourhood Plans: Some areas within Chorley Borough might have adopted Neighbourhood Plans. These locally-driven plans offer more detailed guidance on development within a specific neighbourhood, taking into account local priorities and concerns.
• National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF): While the Local Plan is paramount, it's important to be aware of the NPPF, the overarching national planning policy that guides planning decisions across England.

Thoroughly researching these documents will help you determine the feasibility of your project and tailor your application to align with the council's planning objectives. Ignoring these policies significantly increases the risk of your application being rejected.

Types of Planning Permission in Chorley

Chorley Borough Council, like all other councils, categorizes planning applications into different types, each with its own requirements and process. Understanding these categories is fundamental to submitting the correct application:

• Full Planning Permission: This is required for most new buildings, major extensions, and significant changes of use. It necessitates a detailed application, including architectural drawings, design statements, and assessments of potential environmental impact.
• Outline Planning Permission: This grants permission for the principle of development, such as the type and size of a building. Details like precise design and materials are left for a later stage (reserved matters application). This approach is often used when the overall scheme is clear, but specific details need further refinement.
• Certificate of Lawfulness: This doesn't involve submitting detailed plans but instead confirms whether an existing use or development complies with planning regulations. It’s useful if you're unsure about the legality of a current situation. Two types exist: one for existing lawful use and one for development.
• Prior Approval: For certain minor developments, like extensions under a specific size, prior approval might be sufficient instead of full planning permission. It’s a faster and simpler process but with more limited scope.

Choosing the correct application type is crucial. Submitting the wrong one can lead to delays and rejection.

The Planning Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Submitting a successful planning application to Chorley Borough Council involves a structured process:

1. Pre-Application Advice: Before formally submitting your application, consider seeking pre-application advice from the council. This involves an informal discussion about your proposals, allowing you to gauge the council’s likely response and make necessary adjustments to your plans before investing significant time and resources.

2. Application Preparation: Gather all the necessary documents, including:

• Application Form: Complete the relevant application form accurately and thoroughly.
• Location Plan: Show the site's location within the wider area.
• Site Plan: Illustrate the site boundaries, existing structures, and proposed development.
• Architectural Drawings: Provide detailed drawings of the proposed development, including elevations, floor plans, and cross-sections.
• Design and Access Statement: Explain the design rationale and demonstrate how the proposal addresses accessibility requirements.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (if required): For larger projects, an EIA might be needed to assess the potential impact on the environment.
• Supporting Statements: Provide additional information to support your application, addressing any potential concerns or objections.
• Fees: Pay the applicable planning application fees.

3. Submission: Submit your completed application electronically through the council’s online portal. Ensure all required documents are included and that the information provided is accurate and complete.

4. Validation: The council will validate your application, checking for completeness and accuracy. If any information is missing, you will be required to provide it before the application can proceed.

5. Consultation: The council will consult with relevant parties, including neighbours, other council departments, and statutory consultees (like the Environment Agency).

6. Determination: The council will assess your application against the relevant planning policies and decide whether to grant or refuse planning permission. This process can take several weeks or months.

7. Decision Notification: You will receive a formal notification of the council's decision. If permission is granted, the decision will outline conditions attached to the permission.

8. Appeal (if necessary): If your application is refused, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Planning Inspectorate.

Common Reasons for Planning Application Rejection

Understanding common reasons for rejection can help you avoid pitfalls:

• Non-compliance with planning policies: Failure to align with the Local Plan, Neighbourhood Plan, or NPPF.
• Inadequate design: Poorly designed proposals that don't integrate well with the surrounding environment.
• Impact on neighbours: Negative impacts on neighbours' amenity, such as overlooking, loss of light, or noise pollution.
• Insufficient information: Incomplete or inaccurate information in the application.
• Environmental concerns: Negative impacts on the environment, such as biodiversity loss or increased pollution.
• Highway safety issues: Concerns about the impact on highway safety, such as inadequate parking or access.

Addressing these potential issues proactively during the application preparation stage significantly improves your chances of success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does the planning permission process take?

A: The timeframe varies depending on the complexity of the application. Simple applications might be determined within a few weeks, while more complex ones can take several months.

Q: How much does it cost to apply for planning permission?

A: The cost depends on the type of application. Check the Chorley Borough Council website for the current fee schedule.

Q: What happens if my neighbours object to my application?

A: The council will consider all objections received during the consultation process. You might have the opportunity to address concerns raised by neighbours.

Q: Can I appeal a planning refusal?

A: Yes, you can appeal a refusal to the Planning Inspectorate within a specific timeframe.

Q: Where can I find more information?

A: The Chorley Borough Council website provides comprehensive information on planning permission, including application forms, policies, and guidance notes.

Conclusion

Obtaining planning permission from Chorley Borough Council requires careful planning and attention to detail. By understanding the local planning policies, preparing a thorough application, and engaging proactively with the council, you can significantly increase your chances of success. This guide provides a framework for navigating the process effectively, but always remember to consult the council's website and seek professional advice when needed, particularly for complex projects. Remember, proactive planning and a thorough understanding of the regulations are key to a smooth and successful outcome.