Shropshire Council is committed to providing an efficient and effective planning service. As part of this commitment we offer a range of planning advice for our customers. This page explains the options available to you to obtain this advice.
I want to build something and don’t know if I need planning permission
Certain minor building works – known as permitted development – don't need planning permission. This is because the effect of such developments on neighbours or the surrounding environment is likely to be small e.g. building a boundary wall below a certain height. If you want to establish whether your development project requires planning permission then a number of options are available to you:
Interactive guides
The Planning Portal, which is a web-based system, provides an interactive tool for you to determine whether or not you require planning permission for certain types of development. The system is easy to use and free of charge! Please follow the link on this page to start using this guide:
Please Note: Please read the guidance notes and disclaimers on the Planning Portal carefully. The Interactive Guides do not reveal planning histories and/or whether or not permitted development rights have been removed from your property. If you wish to check this information you will need to contact the department by following the procedures set out in the ' I Want Some General Advice' section further down this page.
Lawful Development Certificates
While it should be possible in most cases to decide yourself whether or not a proposed project qualifies as permitted development (PD) there will inevitably be instances where the decision is less clear cut.
If there is any ambiguity or question over whether your proposal passes the permitted development tests you have a number of options. It may, for instance, be possible to alter your plans to ensure they meet PD limits and conditions.
For peace of mind you may choose to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate. This is not the same as planning permission but is proof that your household building work is lawful.
This option is well worth considering whether or not your project is permitted development. If you should later want to sell your property an LDC may be helpful to answer queries raised by potential buyers or their legal representatives.
As such, it is important that all paperwork and records relating to your property are clear and up to date.
Applications for LDC's can be submitted electronically through the Planning Portal or alternatively, in person by downloading and completing the LDC application form attached to this page and following the instructions contained within the form.
Please note that there is a fee associated with these submissions.
I know I need planning permission and want some advice
Shropshire Council is committed to providing an efficient and effective planning service. The value of pre-application planning discussions is recognised and considered to be an important aspect of the planning process.
Providing considered advice prior to the formal submission of a planning application could ensure that the quality of a development is improved and that certainty in the outcome can be increased for the application.
The Council wishes to continue to encourage and promote engagement through pre-application advice and accordingly we have formalised the procedures for requesting advice including introducing a range of charges with effect from the 1 April 2011.
Please visit the 'Pre-application Advice' page in the menu bar for further information.
I want some advice on how to validate my application
In order for an planning application to be validated you are required to provide certain information to the Council. The 'Validating a Planning Application' page provides further information on the requirements for each type of planning application. This page can be accessed by clicking the link in the 'Related Information' section at the bottom of this page. The planning portal also provides information notes and guidance on submission requirements.
Should you wish to check that your completed application is correct prior to submission please contact the validation team on 01743 252544. The team are based in Shirehall so if you want to do this face-to-face please call into reception and you will be seen by a member of staff.
I want to see a planning officer
Planning Officers are available by appointment only. Appointments can only be booked in relation to current planning applications or pre-application enquiries. Please contact the relevant office for further information.
I want some general advice
In the first instance please contact our Customer Services Advisors on:
E-Mail: customer.service@shropshire.gov.uk
Phone: 0345 678 9004
Write:
Shropshire Council
Development Services
Shirehall,
Abbey Foregate
Shrewsbury
SY2 6ND
If the customer service advisors are unable to answer your query you will be transferred to the Planning Department. General advice can be given over the phone free of charge, however, will not be followed up in writing.
Customer Services advisors are also available in our 5 area offices and can assist with general enquiries.
Can I obtain information on the planning history of a site?
To view details of applications which have been approved on land you can request a personal search. To make an appointment for a personal search of the Local Land Charges Register please telephone 01743 252609. Please note that a Personal Search will not reveal applications which have been refused.
Should you wish to view full planning histories, including refused and/or withdrawn planning application then please contact your relevant area office. You can view planning files by appointment in the area office. If you want information copied and sent to you then there will be a charge for this service.
Can I view historic planning files?
The Public Access system provides details of planning applications received by Shropshire Council from 1 April 2009 and by the former district, borough and county planning authorities up to 31 March 2009. Please follow the link on this page to access the Public Access system.
All documents accompanying planning applications determined by Shropshire Council since 1 April 2009 are available to view online, however, some documents accompanying older applications processed by the former district and borough councils may not be available.
If the information you wish to view is not available or you are experiencing difficulties in viewing any of the records, please contact the relevant area office for assistance. You can view planning files by appointment in the area office. If you want information copied and sent to you then there will be a charge for this service.
How do I know if I need building regulations approval?
Most, if not all alterations, extensions and new building work should comply with the National Building Regulations. We will ensure that your project does and will conform to these regulations by issuing a completion certificate when the project is finished.
The completion certificate is very important, it confirms that the property/building complies with the Building Regulations. Please contact the Building Control department for further information via the link on this page.