Do I need additional approvals?

Before you start work it may be necessary to obtain other consents before your building works commence. Consents may relate to:

• Building Regulations Approval
• Trees
• Hedgerows
• Wildlife
• Conservation Area Consent
• Listed Building Consent
• Advertisements
• Lawful Development Certificates

Building Regulations Approval

By completing a planning application form you are solely applying for planning permission. In many cases an extension to your house, including in some instances a garage or porch will also require Building Regulation Approval.

This is not the same as planning permission, but is the control of actual building works in respect of fire resistance, structural stability, ventilation, thermal insulation and drainage, rather than the siting, design and external appearance of the building.

If you have any doubts the Building Consultancy Team can be contacted at:

Building Consultancy
Development Co-ordination
Chester City Council
The Forum
Chester
CH1 2HS
Tel: (01244) 402438
Fax: (01244) 321876

Building Regulations are governed by different laws, your application for planning permission will be dealt with entirely separately from any application submitted for Building Regulations approval.

Trees

The protection given to trees comes in many different forms and you need to check all of the following items before you begin work on or near trees. Roots are an important part of the living tree and damage to them as well as to the stem, branches and canopy may lead to enforcement action. You must check whether the trees are protected by:

• A Tree Preservation Orders (TPO's)
• Tree Conservation Areas Procedures
• Planning Conditions

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Trees & Woodlands Officer on (01244) 402406

Felling License procedures  are governed by the Forestry Commission. The Forestry Commission can be contacted at:

The Forestry Commission
Linmere
Delamere
Northwich
Cheshire
CW8 2JD

Website: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/  (external link)

Hedgerows

Under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 it is against the law to remove most countryside hedges without permission. To get permission to remove a hedgerow you must first contact the Countryside Team. If the Countryside Section decide to prohibit the removal of an important hedgerow, it must let you know within 6 weeks. If you remove a hedgerow without permission (whether it is important or not) you may face an unlimited fine. You may also have to replace the hedgerow. Further information and advice can be obtained by contacting the Countryside Team on (01244) 402406.

Wildlife

A wide range of wild plants and animals (including birds) are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and related legislation. Some familiar species which are protected include:

Bats (all species)
Badgers
Watervole
Great Crested Newt
Adder
Barn Owl
Bluebell

If your proposal is likely to have an adverse effect on any of the species mentioned above or any others which you believe may be protected you should first seek advice, as all surveys must be carried out according to Natural England guidelines. Further information and advice can be obtained by contacting the Countryside Team on (01244) 402578 or by viewing the Natural England (external link) website - Natural England is responsible for ensuring that England's rich biodiversity is protected and improved.

Conservation Area Consent

In Conservation Areas, even if they are not listed, Conservation Area Consent is required for the demolition of buildings and may be needed for the demolition of other smaller structures (depending on their size) including walls and fences. Further information can be obtained from the Design & Conservation Team on (01244) 402233.

Listed Building Consent

If your property is on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest you will need consent to demolish (all or part) and for internal or external alterations and extensions which in the Council's view affect the character of the building. Further information on listed buildings can be obtained from the Design & Conservation Team on (01244) 402233.

Scheduled Ancient Monuments require a separate Scheduled Monument Consent, which is granted by English Heritage. (Scheduled Monument Consents are very rare).

Advertisements

A separate form of planning control applies to advertisements. Consent is required to display all outdoor advertisements except in special cases. Either 'express consent' can be granted by the Council or 'deemed consent' is given in the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisement) Regulations 1989. 'Deemed Consent' is limited to certain types and sizes of advertisements (generally non-illuminated signs). Explanatory booklets entitled "A Guide to Shopfronts and Advertisements" and "A Guide to Adverts and Illuminations" are available from Planning reception.

Applications for advertisement consent must be submitted on the appropriate forms and accompanied by clear plans. The only grounds for refusal when considering such an application is on the grounds of safety and public amenity. The nature of material advertised is not a planning matter.

Persons displaying advertisements without consent are committing a criminal offence and may be subject to prosecution and the risk of a fine.

Lawful Development Certificates

These are procedures through which the Council can certify that existing or proposed uses of land and buildings are 'lawful'. Such certification gives immunity to the particular use described in the certificate from any charges that it requires planning permission. An explanatory booklet entitled 'Lawful Development certificates' is available from Planning reception.

Contact Details

Planning - Development Control

Email - planning@chester.gov.uk

Opening hours - 8.30am - 4.45pm

Phone number - 01244 402404

Fax - 01244 320946

Address - Development Control, Development Directorate, Chester City Council, The Forum, Chester, CH1 2HS