Planning FAQs

The following questions and answers are for general guidance only. If you require more specific advice please contact the Duty Planning Officer, details below. Click on the questions below to link to the required information. For example the information covering the question - Do I need planning permission for a conservatory? - is on the Do I need planning permission for....? page.

Planning Permission

What is planning permission?

• What is the difference between planning permission and building regulation approval?

What needs planning permission?

• When you will need to apply for planning permission?

Do I need planning permission for....?

• Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?
• What if I live in a Conservation Area or Listed Building?
• Is my house listed?
• Can I get my tree protected?
• What happens if I have a problem with a high hedge on my neighbour's property?
• Do I need planning permission for a dropped kerb?

How do I make a planning application?

• Are there different types of planning application?
• How much does it cost for a planning application?

Can I get advice before I put in my planning application?

• Do you recommend professional agents to prepare and submit a Planning and Building Regulation application on my behalf?

When is the duty officer available?

• Appointments are not required to see the reception duty officer, although at busy times of the day there may be a short wait.
• The duty officer is available for general information Mondays to Fridays.
• The duty officer is available by phone 9.00 am to 5.00pm and in reception 8.45am to 4.45pm.

How do I pay planning permission fees?

• You may pay by cheque if you are submitting a paper application.
• If you are submitting your application on line via the Planning Portal, there is an on line payment facility.
• Payments can in certain circumstances be made over the phone using some types of debit, credit cards. Please contact the office on 01244 402404 if you have any queries.

How do I know what is happening with my planning application?

• What planning applications have been submitted?
• How do I view a planning application?
• How can I make a complaint about the service I have received with regards to a planning application?

How are planning applications decided?

• What consultations are carried out about my planning application?
• How long will a planning application take?
• What is the planning applications process?
• What issues are taken into account in deciding a planning application?

Can I have my say about a planning application?

• Why have I not been told about work that my neighbour is carrying out?

Planning Appeals

Can I appeal against the Council's decision about my planning application?

• Can I appeal against the Council's decision about a planning application if I am not the applicant?
• How are planning appeals dealt with?
• How does an application for retrospective planning permission work?

Planning Board

Will my application go before a planning board?

• How can I get a householder planning application to go before the planning board?
• Can I attend planning board and, if so, am I able to speak?
• Who is on the Planning Board?

How much does it cost to make an appeal

• There is no cost to make a planning appeal, although the local planning authority may claim costs against you if the appeal goes by Inquiry or Hearing

How long does an appeal take?

• The time taken to determine an appeal will depend on a number of factors. However, the main factor in determining the time taken; is the procedure that is chosen (Written Representation, Hearing or Inquiry). The Written Representation procedure is the fastest. The Planning Inspectorate’s web page details the average time taken for determining appeals dealt with by different procedures.
• http://www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk/pins/appeals/planning_appeals/
  Planning_appeal_handling_times.htm (external link)

Planning Enforcement

What is Planning Enforcement?

• Can I get advice about planning enforcement?

What planning enforcement action can the Council take?

How do I make a planning enforcement complaint?

• How are planning enforcement cases decided?
• What happens to my planning enforcement complaint and how long does a formal complaints procedure take?
• What happens if a planning enforcement complaint is made against my property?

Can I appeal against the Council's Planning Enforcement decision?

For further assistance please contact us on 01244 324324 and ask for the Duty Planning Officer, alternatively you can fax on 01244 320946, email planning@chester.gov.uk or write to us at:

Development Control
Chester City Council
The Forum
Chester
CH1 2HS