Planning Services
Introduction
The core aim of the Planning Service is to maintain and enhance
the environment of the County Borough. This is achieved through
controls over new development, regulating where new development is
allowed, setting out through the Development
Plan policies that underpin those controls, and
undertaking/facilitating a variety of environmental works, and
protecting and facilitating the maintenance of Public Rights of
Way. The Planning Service also plays a pivotal role in wider
environmental/community initiatives, co-ordinating the Local Agenda
21 and Environmental Stewardship initiatives.
Development Control
Control of all new development through the determination of
planning applications. The section encourages pre-application
discussions and will offer informal advice regarding design and
land use matters. Planning application
forms can be down-loaded or alternatively applications can be
submitted via the Planning Portal.
Application fees can also be
paid
on-line.
Building Regulations
Control of building development to
ensure that health and safety standards are achieved in
construction and means of escape and to ensure that minimum
standards are achieved in energy efficiency and access for the
disabled. The service is in competition with the private sector and
with the exception of work designed to provide access or facilities
for the disabled, is fee earning. It must be self financing over 3
year periods.
In addition, the service is responsible for dealing with
Dangerous Structures under the Building Act and functions under the
Safety at Sports Grounds Act.
Appeals and Enforcement
To represent the County Borough Council in all planning and
enforcement public Inquiries, and to co-ordinate the preparation of
evidence to Hearings and for Written Representation Appeals. To
investigate all complaints of breaches of planning control and take
enforcement action where appropriate and to monitor development
sites, including minerals sites, subject to available
resources.
Development Policy
Production of a Unitary Development
Plan setting out the County Borough Council's land use policies
for the next 15 years both in terms of strategy and in land use
allocations together with supplementary planning guidance and
participation in the preparation of regional planning guidance.
Environmental Quality
Lead section for NPT co-ordinating Local Agenda 21 and
Environmental Stewardship, both directly through the production of
plans and strategy and indirectly through ensuring that other
sections of the Authority fulfil their obligations. Lead section
for Directorate for accreditation under EMAS.
In addition, the section, with assistance from Countryside, is
responsible for the preparation of a Bio
Diversity Action Plan for the County Borough, and facilitating
and co-ordinating community ownership of the Plan and its
implementation.
See also: Environmental Policy
Countryside
The provision of the Public Rights of Way service to protect the
network from obstructions etc, consider amendments, modifications,
closures and new registrations to the network, and to maintain and
improve the network. The section also provides a woodland
management and countryside access service through Coed Cymru giving guidance and
advice on the maintenance and conservation of woodland, creation of
new woodland, and the development of markets for local indigenous
sustainable timber.