Site visits by a planning officer

After a planning application is validated, we allocate it to a named planning officer.

Normally, the case officer will visit the site of the proposed development within five working days of a complete application being received. This visit will happen at all sites where work is proposed to take place, according to the application.

Due to the number of applications we receive, planning officers will not usually agree a specific appointment to make a site visit. However, if access to the site is not possible without specific arrangements being made, please make this clear in the relevant part of the application form.
 

What happens at a site visit

A site visit is an opportunity to inspect the site and assess the application proposed against national and local planning policies. Where relevant, the case officer will take photographs to help in the assessment.

Occasionally, other council officers with different expertise may also need to undertake a site visit to respond to a consultation request. Council officers undertaking site visits will carry identification cards and always be courteous.

If the case officer has not made any previous arrangement and upon visiting the site considers that it is necessary to enter the property, they will knock on the door unannounced and kindly request whether that would be possible. If that is not convenient or appropriate at the time they will seek to make alternative arrangements for a future site visit date if necessary.
 

Site notice

The planning officer will place a site notice at each location, publicising the application in a place where the public can read it. The site notice will invite comments to be submitted from any interested parties within the 21 days following display of the notice.