Planning applications - specialist enquiries
How we provide this service
Specialist enquiries regarding current planning applications. This section covers information on how you can get answers to any specialist enquiries you may have. Obviously this covers a broad range and so here we will concentrate on our DEVELOPMENT TEAM APPROACH (DTA) is supported by Planning and Development, Planning.
Fax: 01775 710772
What to do to get this service
If you have a specific enquiry that requires technical or specialist advice please telephone or visit our Customer Services Section who will make an appointment for you to see the appropriate officer.
Who can apply?
Anyone can make an appointment.
How much will it cost?
Specialist advice is free of charge.
How long will I have to wait for a response?
An appointment can be made immediately.
How long will the whole process take?
An appointment may not be available for 2-4 working days.
Common Questions
Q. I need some specialist advice, do I need to make an appointment?
A. Yes, general advice can be obtained at any time during normal working hours but you will need to make an appointment with a planning officer for detailed or specialist information.
Q. I am not sure who to see.
A. The district has two teams of planning officers, comprising of Major and Minor teams. When making an appointment please have the address of the site available and a description of the proposed development and we can advise you which officer to see.
Q. I am not sure if my enquiry requires specialist knowledge. What should I do?
A. Your initial enquiry to the Customer Services Section will enable the Customer Services Advisor to decide if you need to speak to a planning officer.
Q. What is DTA?
A. The Development Team Approach (DTA) is a system which allows an applicant to discuss, at a meeting, their proposals with numerous representatives from within SHDC and also some of our external partners such as the Environment Agency and Highways.
Q. How does it work?
A. If you have a major proposal in mind simply contact the Planing Advice Officer in the Planning Department and they will set up a meeting with the relevant and necessary people from our internal departments. Not all of the departments may be involved at the same time. For example, the first initial meeting you may have Building Control, Development Control, Environmental Health and the Highways Department.
Q. Can anyone use the DTA?
A. At the moment we are restricting the DTA to major applications such as a large housing development or a big commercial project (such as the new Springfields Development). Eventually we hope to include a lot more applications.
Q. What are the benefits of using DTA?
A. As an applicant you will get a more consistent service from your Local Authority. Rather than having conflicting advice given to you at different stages of your application, all the advice is consistent and at the relevant times. Ultimately you will gain a speedier decision.
Printed leaflets available providing more information
Leaflets are available at the Customer Services Section
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Contact Details
If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.
Planning Policies
