Constraints that may affect your application
When considering a planning application the Council must pay attention to any constraints that may affect your site. Examples of constraints and links to further information about these are listed below.
The Council is in the process of adding details of further constraints to our online map based information system which through the property based search| will provide details of any relevant constraints. As this work is ongoing you are advised to contact Development Control| if you wish to ensure that you have all the relevant information prior to making your application
Unitary Development Plan (UDP)
The council produces a UDP that covers the whole of the Gateshead Borough which highlights policies that may affect your proposal. Details of the policies and a map of where these apply.
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National Guidance (PPS)
The Government produces several planning policy statements and circulars which provide guidance on how Local Planning Authorities must consider certain issues and constraints that may affect planning applications. The Planning Portal| website gives more information about these policies.
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Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS)
Each Regional Planning Body is preparing a Regional Spatial Strategy. This sets out things such as how many homes are needed to meet the future needs of people in the region, or whether the region needs a new major shopping centre or an airport. The Planning Portal| website gives more information about the RSS for the North East.
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Flood Risk
If your site is with an area at risk of flooding then you may be required to submit further information with your application. If flooding is an issue the Environment agency will be consulted on your application. You can find out whether your site is within a flood risk area and any implications of that on the Environment Agency| website.
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Contaminated Land
Previous uses of land on your site may mean that contaminants may still be present in the ground. The Council has records showing sites that have potential contamination, however, previous uses of the site may mean that sites not on the Council’s register may still be affected. The Council is in the process of digitising this information. The areas that have been digitised are available on Council's website using the property based search|. However, you should be aware that this work is not yet complete and may not be up-to-date. If you wish to check this information please contact Development Control|.
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Tree Preservation Orders
Trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders and if they are located in Conservation Areas. The Council must be notified in advance of any proposed work to be carried out on or around protected trees. Enforcement Action is carried out where necessary.
Information and application forms|
Find out if your trees are protected by a TPO or are in a Conservation area by using the Council's property based search|.
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Conservation Areas
Gateshead has several conservation areas which restrict the development you can undertake. More information on how this can affect you can be found on our conservation areas| page.
Find out if your site is in a Conservation area by using the Council's property based search|.
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Listed Buildings
Gateshead has around 240 listed buildings| for which permission is required for internal and external building works. A register of listed buildings| is also available.
English Heritage| is the governing body that advises on what is acceptable development in listed buildings.
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Article 3 Restrictions
For some properties the Council has considered it appropriate to remove the usual permitted development rights allowed under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. This means any works to these buildings require planning permission. Find out if your site is affected by using the Council's property based search|.
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Wildlife and Habitat Protection
If your site is located near to a designated wildlife area such as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI ) or a Site of Nature conservation Interest (SNCI ) or would affect protected species or their habitat then further information may be required to be submitted with your application. Useful information can be found on the Natural England| website.
Please contact Development Control| for further information about whether your proposal is affected.
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Article 4 Directions
The council currently has no Article 4 Directions which further restrict development.
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Areas of Outstanding National Beauty
Gateshead Council has no areas of Outstanding National Beauty.
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