Why do I need Planning Permission?
The purpose of the planning system is to regulate the development and use of land in the public interest. This is achieved by requiring that all development (with a few exceptions) must have planning permission before work commences. Applications for planning permission are only refused if the proposed development would be detrimental to public interest.
Planning permission is required for most building work and also for a range of other development such as changes to the use of buildings and areas of land.
In addition to planning permission you may also need Building Regulation Approval for proposed alterations and development.
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Submitting a planning application
In most cases this will involve the submission of scaled drawings and application forms. A minimum of four copies is required because we make the application available for public inspection and also we consult Parish Council's and experts such as Environmental Health Officers. Further information on what is required for each type of application can be found on the validation checklist on our Forms, Fees and Charges page.
If you visit the Civic Centre, a planning technician or duty officer is available during office opening hours to help you fill in and check the application is complete.
If you decide to employ someone to submit your application all correspondence relating to the application will be sent to them.
The main points to remember;
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Answer all the questions on the forms signing and dating where relevant.
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Make sure the certificate of land ownership is completed.
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Make sure that all plans are clear and precise with scales or dimensions clearly shown.
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Outline the application site in red.
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Send 4 copies of all plans and 4 copies of the application forms.
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Make sure you send the correct fee.
If you are in any doubt about any aspect of the procedures contact David Harrison, the Planning Information Officer on (0191) 433 3426. This will help to overcome any possible delay in processing the application caused by an incorrect or incomplete set of details.
You can also submit an application online through the Planning Portal|.
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How long does it take to make a decision?
Although we have to give people time to comment on applications, most applications are decided within eight weeks.
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Who will the decision be made by?
Planning Applications submitted to the Council are either considered by the Planning and Development Committee or delegated to the Head of Regulatory Services for determination.
Major Applications, those which would have significant environmental or economic impact are dealt with by the planning committee, as are those which have given rise to 3 or more objections or which have been referred by Council Members.
More straightforward, less contentious applications are decided by the Head of Regulatory Services under powers delegated to him by the council.
For more information on the Planning and Development Committee including access to Committee dates, agendas, reports and minutes please take a look at our Planning and Development Committee| page.
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Pre-application advice
Gateshead Council offers a free pre-application advice service to all members of the public.
If you are thinking about submitting a planning and/or building regulation application in the near future you may find it helpful to discuss your proposals with an officer to see whether they are likely to be acceptable.
If you submit a letter and sketch with as much detail as possible about your proposal, an officer will visit the site, if necessary, and offer advice about Gateshead Council's Policy. If there are any problems with what you want to do, the officer will also advise you of any amendments that would make it more acceptable although these comments are without prejudice to any formal decision made.
For house extensions you can complete the online pre-application form| on our Forms, Fees and Charges page.
Alternatively you can send your letter to the Development Control Manager, Gateshead Council, Development and Enterprise, Civic Centre, Regent Street, Gateshead NE8 1HH
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