Important changes to the planning application
process!
Planning application forms
Please note, as from the 6th April 2008, the Standard Planning
Application Form (1APP) must be used for all
planning applications (except mineral developments).
Kent County Council as Planning Authority is responsible for the
handling of planning applications for mineral working, waste
disposal/processing and the County Council's own developments. An
application form for minerals proposals will be introduced later in
2008, but all waste and County Council development applications
must use the new 1APP Form.
While the 1APP Form is now available online, at present it can
only be submitted electronically via the
Planning
Portal (link opens in a new window), or alternatively in hard
copy direct to the Planning Applications Group.
For all forms and guidance notes, visit our
making a planning application page.
Planning fees
Fees were increased from 6 April 2008, for
details download the planning
application fees guide.
Please note that from 6 May 2008 there will be a charge for
requests to approve details required by condition and for
confirmation that the terms have been met. For further information
see the
planning application fees page.
Validation of planning applications
From the 6 April 2008 there will also be changes to the way all
planning applications are received and registered by Planning
Authorities. This process is known as validation, where the
Planning Authority decides whether it has correct and adequate
supporting information to understand and fairly decide a planning
application.
The Government has sought to standardise
the information requirements for the different types of planning
application, by producing a national list of general requirements.
Each Planning Authority will also add a list of local requirements.
Kent County Council has now agreed it's own draft list of local
information requirements. For full details, please go to the
validation of planning applications page.
Planning Applications
Planning is the system we have for
managing changes to our environment.
We aim to get the balance right between
our need for new development and the need to conserve what we value
about our environment for future generations.
Generally, we deal with applications for
mineral sites, waste operations and the County Council's own
developments, such as schools and transport projects. Planning
applications for other types of development, such as houses or
'household' building work, are dealt with by
district/borough councils.
A democratic process
Our planning system is an important part of our democracy. It
allows a balance of views to be heard as part of a democratic
process. Plus it ensures that elected representatives to central
and local government control the use and development of land. In
doing so, these representatives will balance the views of different
groups about proposed developments.
The process provides an opportunity for people to have their say
about the future of their neighbourhoods, communities and
areas.
Responsibility for the planning process
In Kent the operation of the system on a daily basis is provided
by the county and district councils.
Ultimately, however, the responsibility for the planning system
lies with the Office of the Deputy Prime
Minister. |