Town Planning FAQ's
Q: What is town planning?
A: Town planning is both a system that determines the physical, social and economic arrangement of an urban area as well as a profession that studies urbanization. In the United Kingdom, a set of legislation, that gives more power of control over land development to local authorities, has been adopted ever since the end of the Second World War. Local Council has control in a way that some forms of development on land and buildings need a permit before they can be carried out. Town planning is also considered to be a tool for guiding development in a way that preserves some of the features of urban environment, as major construction work, maintenance, repair or any other type of development on land can not take place without official consent from the Council. Town planning has become ever-present in the lives of all who wish to build, demolish or carry out maintenance on their property within the UK. Town planning institutions, companies offering solutions and guidance in the field of town planning, have also become quite popular in the United Kingdom.
Q: What division of the Council deals with the matter of town planning?
A: Local Councils have designated departments that handle everything related to planning and building within local areas, development plans, planning applications, listed buildings and conservation areas, ecology and landscapes, regulations and so on. Town planning divisions, in the UK, tend to have differing names and sometimes they are obscure departments within the local Council.
Q: What type of consent is required to carry out development on the property?
A: When making planning decisions, as several types of regulations might apply to one particular case, proper research regarding legislation in the field is mandatory. In some cases, a requirement for several types of consent just might be needed.
Q: When is a planning permit required?
A: Legislation regarding local town planning covers all of the requirements for different types of development, some major changes in the use of land or buildings need official consent while other, minor works, like maintenance or repair, can be carried out without any official proceedings or the consent of local Council. A town planning application needs to be submitted to the authorities in the case a permit is required. Development without permission is a serious offense and can result in prosecution or buildings being demolished.
Q: What if my planning proposal has not been approved?
A: Should you disagree with the decision of the Council, you have the right to appeal. There are several types of representation (written, Public Inquiry and Informal Hearing) to opt for to have your case re-viewed.
Q: What are Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas?
A: Due to their special architectural or national importance, some buildings have been designated “Listed Buildings”. Special permission is required in the case your property has been listed, even minor alterations might require you to obtain special building consent and planning permission. Conservation areas, like Listed Buildings, are areas of special historic or architectural significance. These areas are designated by local authorities and strict regulations control development over them.
Q: In what other cases do I need permission from local Council?
A: If you wish to park a caravan in your garden and use it as living space, an annex to your home, in some cases, you might need permission from local authorities. Should you wish to place signs and advertisements on your property, you are required to obtain planning permission. Town planning legislation also controls other development activities as well: should you wish to erect a fence on your property, or buildings, or structures, altering buildings or extending your garden, even changing the use of the property without any physical alterations might need official consent from the authorities.
Q: What are town planning institutions?
A: Town planning companies offer services in the field of town planning, experienced professionals from these companies can be of great help in determining whether a planning proposal and permit are required to carry out development, whether an appeal to the Council's decision is wise and beneficial, and basically offer solutions to particular needs when it comes to town planning. |
Michael Williams Planning
Town Planning & Development Consultancy
42 Broadway, Maidenhead, Berks, SL6 1LU. Tel: 01628 780780
Welcome
Welcome to Michael Williams Planning - a small but efficient Planning Consultancy. Our field of influence extends across Berks, Bucks, Surrey and West London and we provide a personal service at very competitive rates.
Michael Williams qualified in Town & Country Planning at Cardiff University, and is a Member of both the Royal Town Planning Institute and the Inst. of Highways & Transportation. His professional experience begun in the mid 70's. leading to 10 years' local government service, including Head of Special Projects at the London Borough of Hillingdon.
Senior appointments followed in planning consultancies in Windsor, Reading, Northampton and West London. Subsequently, Michael Williams was recruited as Land & Planning Director of a national housebuilder.
The consultancy has operated since June 2002, and clients have the assurance that their project, or concern, is in the hands of a committed senior professional with all-round exposure to every facet of planning and transportation. Whether it is corporate work or for private individuals, commitment is never less than 100%. |
Some Recent Successful Projects
. 49 houses - East Sussex
. 54 houses - Seaford
. 14 houses - Egham
. 14 apartments - City of London
. 36 flats - Maidenhead
. 10,000 sq ft industrial unit - Bucks
. £41,000 reduction in Section 106 Contributions - Berkshire
. 12 houses - Winnersh
. 6 houses - Wokingham
. 2 x 7-bed houses - Bourne End
. 3 detached houses - Henley-on-Thames
. 25 apartments - West Kensington
. In addition to the above, a strategic level decision has just been announced relating to 5,000 houses on an optioned site in Gloucestershire.
. Use the e-mail link at the Contact Page if you would like to see an appeal statement, or neighbour objection. |
