How will the decision be made

A number of levels of administration from the individual citizen to central government and the courts can become involved in deciding planning applications.

However, most of them are dealt with solely by the local planning authority.

The process begins with an individual householder or business or other organisation deciding to develop some land or a property. The first thing to do is check with the local planning authority that the development does require planning permission. The authority planning department will be able to point out if there are any obvious problems with the proposal, and perhaps suggest adjustments which could help to win the permission.

If there is much detail to be looked into, it may be sensible to make an ‘outline’ application first. If that is approved a more detailed application, with full architect’s drawings, can be put forward later.

When a refusal results, the applicant has the option of lodging an appeal. In most cases this will be heard and decided by a Planning Inspector. On rare occasions the original application will be ‘called in’ by the National Assembly for decision by a planning decision committee of the Assembly.