Each planning application is assigned to an individual planning officer for processing. 
The planning officer will initially (if need be) consult with other experts for their comments. For instance, the Council’s engineers will be consulted if there are perceived to be highway or drainage implications with your proposal. The planning officer will then make a site visit to judge what effect your proposal may have on neighbouring properties and the surrounding area in general. If the planning officer feels that changes are needed to a proposal in order for it to have a greater chance of being approved, then you will be contacted to discuss the need for amended plans.
The planning officer will then be required to make a recommendation as to whether the application should be granted permission or refused. In making his recommendation, the planning officer is required to have regard to the Local Plan, Government planning guidance and all comments based on planning grounds made by other departments of the Council, neighbours and other interested parties. The officer’s recommendation will then be considered by either the Development Control Manager (most cases) or the Planning Committee (major or contentious cases) for a final decision.
The Council has eight weeks from the date of receipt of a valid application (meaning the details and fee are correct) in which to make a decision. In practice, this can take much longer if, for example, lengthy negotiations are required to resolve the conflicting interests of an individual application. If you do not receive a decision within the eight-week period, you then have a right to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate|. If you exercise this right, then the responsibility for determining the application passes from the Council to an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State.
However, this does not always mean that the applicant will receive the decision more quickly than if the Council had been allowed to consider the application. If you are unhappy with the time it is taking to determine your application you are advised to contact either the case officer or the Development Control Manager to discuss the matter.
Last Modified: Wednesday 21 March 2012