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    On this page... Enforcement Guidance on trees How to comment on a planning application
    Material Planning Consixderations Planning Jargon Buster The Handy Guide  
     
    Planning Information

    PLEASE NOTE: This is an introductory guide and is not a definitive source of legal information.

    Also on this page: Enforcement, Guidance on Trees, HMOs and the change in planning policy, Use Classes

    Planning applications can be viewed on the Newcastle Council website. How to do this is contained on the Planning Applications Page on this site.

    You may also find more sueful information on the Council's Planning Home Page.

    You will need to agree to the conditions at the bottom of the page.

    There is a search facility on the Council website which will allow you to find:

    1. Applications (keyword, application reference, postcode or single line of an address).
    2. Appeals
    3. Enforcements

    You can also view applications which have been submitted or have been decided by clicking on the weekly/monthly lists tab. You can search by Ward and by date. Follow the directions...

    When you have accessed the planning application, you will be able to view the documentation by clicking on the appropriate tab. This will then bring up a list. Some documents, such as plans, are in PDF format. You will need a PDF reader.

    Documents can be downloaded and saved by you.

    You can also make a submission via email to the Council via the page. This will generally be acknowledged. You must, however, register. Comments can now only be made via the Council's website when you log in.

    However, you can also email separately to planning control (planning.control@newcastle.gov.uk) or write to them at Development Management, Room 900, Strategic Housing, Planning & Transportation Division, Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8PD

    Please note that with the exception of the commentors' phone numbers, email address and signature any comments provided will be published on the Council's website without modification. A copy of your comments can be emailed if requested.

    Similarly, notification of the outcome of the decision will also be sent to you electronically In all communications, ensure that you quote the reference number and the property. Note that there is also a facility whereby, if you are registered, you can "track" the progress of any application you may be interested in and you will be notified by email each time there is a development.

    You can also refer to the Unitary Development Plan. There is a copy available on the JRA site

    See also the Useful Legislation Page on this site...

    Planning applications have a statutory consultation period of 21 days from validation. The Council is obliged to take any submissions made during this period into consideration but it also has discretion to include any after that time. Most planning applications are decided by planning officers under delegated powers.

    However, where an application is deemed to be of more importance, the application can be decided by the Development Control Committee. You can make a request for this to be done but the decision is made by the Chairman. If an application is to be heard by the Development Control Committee, personal representation can be made by objectors, usually one person who will represent others. The time allotted by the Committee is five minutes. The applicant will also have the same time to present his/her case.

    A Ward Councillor can also address the Committee.

    The Development Control Committee meets at three weekly intervals, usually on a Friday in a Committee Room at the Civic Centre.

    The Agenda and documents are published on the Monday of that week. You can download these. The meetings are open to the general public.

    View meeting dates and Agendas

    An applicant can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate if the proposal is refused. There is no right of appeal against the granting of an application save in certain circumstances. Planning Appeals are heard by a Planning Inspector in person or by a written representation procedure. In all cases, any submissions must be within a specified period. The Planning Inspectorate will not consider any representations received after the expiry of the period. Submissions can be made by email. Advice and guidance can be obtained by contacting a planning officer. (0191) 232 8520 and ask for Planning. View the Council's Newcastle Planning Online Services User Guide : Enforcement

    )  
    You can also contact the JRA on (0191) 212 1471 or email jesmondresidentsassociation@gmail.com if you need help.

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    Enforcement

    The Council's current service Charter sets out how the service will be delivered and defines the standards to be met. The performance targets set in the Charter require:
    • All complaints will be recorded and written complaints will be acknowledged in writing within 5 working days.
    • The site or premises will be inspected the same day as the complaint is received, if urgent, or within 5 working days if the complaint relates to operational building works, unauthorised change of use, unauthorised advertisements which could impact on highway safety, or a breach of a planning condition. If the complaint relates to an untidy site, unauthorised advertisement and minor forms of development, a site visit will be undertaken within 10 working days.
    • The complainant will be informed within 20 working days of receipt of the complaint of how the Council intends to pursue the matter.
    • If the Council decides to take enforcement action, the complainant will be informed within 10 working days of that decision being made.
    • If the Council decides not to take enforcement action, the complainant will be informed within 10 working days of that decision and the reason will be explained.

    The majority of the Monitoring and Enforcement Team’s work remains reactive, responding to reports about possible breaches of planning control. The speed of dealing with complaints and carrying out site inspections exceeds local targets and remains consistent with the first, second and third quarters of the year.

    Performance in informing complainants of the progress of cases also remains very high.

    Formal action is discretionary and only taken as a last resort when all attempts to resolve the matter informally are exhausted.

    Formal Notices are therefore only served in cases where negotiation has not proved successful and it is expedient to do so. However, it does demonstrate a willingness to take action where appropriate.

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    Guidance on Trees

    Work on trees may require permission.

    Trees play an important role in screening your property, providing privacy and integrating your building into its surroundings. Green leafy streetscapes are amongst the most prized in Newcastle. Trees can be easily damaged during construction works and if there are existing trees in your garden or near to your property, then these need to be taken into account when you plan your work.

    Many trees are legally protected by Tree Preservation Orders and if you live in a Conservation Area then all trees with a trunk diameter of 7.5cm or more are protected. Permission is required for any work to a protected tree, including works to its roots, trunk and branches. It is important that you check with our Landscape and Ecology Team to confirm whether or not trees are protected. Even if your proposed development does not require planning permission, you will need approval for any operations that affect protected trees. Failure to comply with this requirement is a criminal offence which could lead to a fine of up to £20,000 per tree.

    Officers are available to give advice on the best way of looking after trees before, during and after the work has been carried out. Early identification of the issues relating to trees usually helps you to make the right decisions, saving time and un-necessary disruption as your scheme develops.

    For advice please phone 0191 277 8950, 0191 211 5621 or 0191 277 8954

     

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    How to comment on a planning application...

     

    Planning Aid article [PDF]

     

    See also Material Planning Considerations
     
    See also Planning Jargon Buster [PDF]

    DisclaimerThe Glossary is neither a statement of law nor an interpretation of the law, and its status is only an introductory guide to planning issues and should not be used as a source for statutory definitions.
    Acknowledgement    This glossary was produced by the Government Office for the North East and its local planning authority partners. The glossary was adapted for use as a national document by the Planning Portal.

    The Handy Guide [PDF]