Frequently asked questions about Development Management

Who will deal with my application?

Shropshire Council are now dealing with all planning applications which were previously dealt with by the five former district and borough councils. Planning Officers are dealing with planning applications in exactly the same way as they did previously. Applications are registered and allocated to a case officer to deal with in the normal way. Those applications that are not delegated to an officer to decide will be decided by a Strategic Planning Committee for the whole of Shropshire or one of the Area Planning Committees for North, Central and South areas.

How will I view applications submitted to Shropshire Council?

Applications submitted to Shropshire Council can be viewed through the 'Public Access' link on this page

Where will I be able to meet with a planning officer?

Please contact the Customer Services Centre in the first instance by calling 0345 678 9004.

Will the local council office still be open to see plans or discuss a planning matter with the council?

Yes, the planning offices in Oswestry, Wem, Ludlow and Bridgnorth as well as an improved facility at Shire Hall replacing the planning office at the Guild Hall.

Where will future planning committees be held?

The Strategic Planning Committee will meet monthly in Shire Hall and the three Area Regulatory Committees will operate in the North, South and Central Areas on a monthly basis, alternating their meetings between Ludlow, Bridgnorth, Oswestry and Wem. A schedule of committee meeting dates is attached to this page, together with a membership list.

Will public speaking be allowed at planning meetings?

Public speaking is permitted at the Strategic Planning and Area Plannig Committee meetings.

If I make a planning application to Shropshire Council what development plan policies will be used to judge the application?

The Development Plan consists of the Regional Spatial Strategy, saved Joint Structure Plan policies and saved Local plan policies for the former district/borough council area. For instance if the application is made in the former South Shropshire District council area reference will be made to the saved policies of the Adopted South Shropshire Local Plan. This situation will continue until such time as that plan is formally replaced by the Shropshire Core Strategy and other Development Plan Documents.

Will a planning obligation entered into with a district/borough council be binding upon the new unitary authority?

Yes, the planning powers of the former councils were transferred to the new unitary authority 1 April 2009, this includes enforcement of outstanding legal agreements.

What will be the status of current district local plans and other adopted planning policy after March 09?

The current saved policies of the district and borough Plans, the Structure Plan, Minerals Local Plan and Waste Local Plan will continue to be used for the process of deciding planning applications in the former areas where they were adopted until such time as they are formally replaced by the Shropshire Council Local Development Framework.

What is the timescale for producing a unified planning policy for the new council?

Unified planning policy will be set out in the Local Development Framework (LDF). The first element of the new LDF for Shropshire will be the Core Strategy. Consultation on the Core Strategy begins in January 2009 and a final approved version will be produced in March 2011. The Core Strategy will contain general planning policies, more detailed policies and site allocations will be developed during this period and produced after the Core Strategy.

Who do I phone about a planning issue such as a boundary dispute?

Please contact the Customer Services Centre in the first instance.

Who do I phone about a planning issue such as out of control hedges/blocking light?

Please contact the Customer Services Centre in the first instance.

Who do I phone about a planning issue to do with planning permission?

Please contact the Customer Services Centre in the first instance.

Where do I go to report unlawful removal of hedges and trees, e.g. without prior permission or licence to fell or remove and removal in bird breeding season?

Please contact the Customer Services Centre in the first instance.

Will I be able to physically inspect Planning Applications at district/borough council offices?

Yes, this service will continue for applications being dealt with from that area office.

What format will planning take in the future?

The planning system will operate under the same laws and guidance as now (subject to new legislation that is currently passing through Parliament). The main difference is that Shropshire Council will be the single local planning authority, replacing the five district / borough councils and the County Council (which currently deals with strategic planning, minerals and waste and other county matter) applications. There will be one, unified Local Development Framework for the whole of Shropshire. Most planning services will be based centrally in Shrewsbury, working outwards form there. However, there will be Development Management teams in Shrewsbury (central), Oswestry and Wem (North) and Ludlow and Bridgnorth (South).

I am thinking of building an extension. Where can I get some advice about applying for planning permission?

Please contact the Customer Services Centre in the first instance.

What are the dates of the Development Management meetings in the new council?

Applications will be dealt with either by a Strategic Planning Committee or an Area Planning Committee. A full timetable of meetings is attached to this page.

How will the assimilation of planning application and related Planning Development Management responsibilities (e.g. enforcement), which were previously dealt with by the County Council (County Matters) and district councils (district matters) be organised?

The development of a central registration team / function as part of unitary will enable tracking / provision of information to customers either via the appropriate area team or customer services. In the interim period, existing arrangements will apply, but we also need to consider publicity measures to advise of the future changes, to ensure that impact on all customers e.g. applicants, consultees and the general public is minimised.

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