RBWM consults on planning enforcement policy

The Royal Borough has launched two consultations to get residents’ views on its requirements for planning applications and its enforcement process.

A National and Local Validation list sets out what documents applicants need to include when submitting a planning application to their council.

An enforcement investigation can be carried out by a local authority if there is a belief that planning control has been breached and work has been carried out without planning permission.

The Royal Borough’s Planning Enforcement Local Plan sets out how these investigations are carried out ‘to maintain public confidence’ in the planning system.

The council has asked residents to share their views through a consultation on how the enforcement and planning application processes can be improved.

Under the enforcement plan, each investigation is prioritised from high to low depending on how much the unlawful work is harmful to residents or the environment.

The demolition of a building in a conservation area or unlawful work to protected trees or listed buildings fall under the Royal Borough’s ‘high priority’ list, for example.

Developments done within dangerous flood zones or the greenbelt – a piece of land that has never been built on before – would come under a medium enforcement priority.

If work such as the erection of fences and walls or minor changes to someone’s home are done without permission these are a minor priority to the council.

A planning officer will subsequently visit the site as part of the enforcement investigation.

But applicants can still submit a retrospective planning application for work that has already been carried out without permission.

Where the council is not satisfied that the work was done safely, it can subsequently refuse applications.

The enforcement plan sets out how the council will respond to alleged breaches.

It states enforcement action is ‘discretionary’ and those in breach should be ‘given the opportunity to remedy the breach of planning control whenever possible’.

Investigations will only be launch when breaches are reported in writing, with sufficient information supplied. ‘Anonymous, repetitive or vexatious’ complaints will not be investigated.

Separately, the National and Local Validation List looks to ‘streamline the process’ and provide ‘more clarity’ to developers and residents looking to submit applications.

When submitting a planning application, what needs to be included with it varies depending on the work that is being done.

These include applications for household work, change of use applications, demolitions, minor or major works and displaying advertisements.

Under the Royal Borough’s National and Local Validation List, most applications have to be accompanied by a site location and floor plan as well as a design and access statement.

For bigger residential developments, applicants also need to send a flood assessment risk and if affordable housing has been considered as part of the proposals.

The document provides a ‘quick checklist’ of requirements for most common types of planning application, covering more than 30 different categories.

But documents have been put forward by the Royal Borough for consultation.

Residents can share their views on both consultations until September 30.

Visit https://rbwmtogether.rbwm.gov.uk/