A brief guide to planning
The local planning authority [TEWKESBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL] notifies the Parish Council of all applications that fall within the Parish boundary for their consideration and comment.
Churchdown Parish Council, as a statutory consultee of Tewkesbury Borough Council (TBC), is then asked to comment on planning applications within the Parish. The Parish Council is consulted for its local knowledge but does not determine a Planning Application, we are a statutory consultee.
Decisions are made by the planning officers using delegated powers or by the planning committee made up of TBC Councillors. Their decisions are based upon Planning Policies set out in the Local Plan, Planning Policy Statements (PPS) and Government Guidance (NPPF).
National Planning Policy Framework
Overarches developmental control in England.
Includes strategic policy statements on land use, including housing, employment and transport.
Sets the framework and context for local plans.
Is a ‘material consideration’ in deciding planning applications.
Confirms that the purpose of planning is to help achieve ‘sustainable development’.
The Local Plan comprises...
The Gloucestershire Joint Core Strategy – available at https://www.jointcorestrategy.org/.
The Tewkesbury Borough Council (TBC) Local Plan – available at https://www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/local-plan.
The Churchdown and Innsworth Neighbourhood Development Plan – available at https://www.churchdownandinnsworthplan.co.uk/.
TBC has a Planning Portal which can be accessed here: https://www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/planning.
The new application tracker also allows you to view active planning applications and subscribe to receive updates: https://tewkesbury-central.oncreate.app/w/webpage/apptracker-search.
Please note:
Tewkesbury Borough Council must take into account, but not necessarily follow, the views or recommendations of the Parish Council.
The Parish Council’s comments upon individual planning applications considered at meetings are normally included in the minutes of meetings.
The Parish Council has the right (separate from supporters and objectors) to speak at the planning meetings if they feel strongly enough about a particular development.
This webpage has a link to all current and historic planning applications, appeals and enforcements.
How do I view the plans?
Full details of planning applications appear on the Tewkesbury Borough Council website. You can also make comments on applications through this site. A copy of the plans will also be available at the Parish Council office during the consultation period [21 days from the date of the planning application.
What do I do if I have an interest or want to object to a Planning Application?
First you must view the plans and supporting documentation. If you wish to object you must write to, or email Tewkesbury Borough Council (TBC) . You can also send a copy to the Parish Clerk so that we are aware of your views. TBC have provided some guidance on commenting on applications – please check the TBC website: https://www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/planning. Listed below are some suggested reasons for objecting to a particular application:
Highways safety – parking/access/roads unsuitable for the development (where access is a relevant consideration).
Loss of privacy and light – dependent on the size/siting of the development to a neighbouring property’s principal windows (can they be directly looked into?).
Design/size/scale/materials of proposal in relation to the existing property, neighbouring properties and general location.
Effect on/loss of protected trees or listed buildings.
Setting listed buildings on Conservation Area.
Noise, fumes, smell or loss of privacy.
Risk of flooding as a result of the proposal.
Loss of a valuable facility if dealt with in the local plan.
Disabled persons’ access.
Proposals in the Development or Local Plan and Government policy.
Previous planning decisions (including appeal decisions).
Nature conservation.
Things which are not normally planning considerations include:
Loss of view/aspect.
Personal matters relating to the specific applicant.
Changes to land/property values.
Personal taste with respect to the proposal.
The examples listed above are definitive but not comprehensive, and are a guide to assist in the preparation of letters or statements of support or opposition. See www.planningportal.co.uk.
The following website has more information and guidance on planning applications – www.cpre.org.uk.
If you do wish to object, there is a lot of excellent guidance on the Planning Portal at www.planningportal.co.uk.
You may also make comment to the Parish Council at the appropriate meeting, but the Council is not obliged to pass on any such comments to the planning authority. The Parish Clerk will be able to tell you when a particular application is due to come before the Parish Council.
Planning Appeals
There is often confusion over different types of Planning Appeals. An appeal can be made to the Planning Inspectorate if Tewkesbury Borough Council refuses a planning application. The appeal has to be made by the applicant within a certain timescale:
Householder applications and Minor Commercial applications need to be within 12 weeks of the date of the decision.
All other types of planning applications (including larger developments) must be within 6 months of the date of the decision.
A Planning Inspector will be appointed. There are then three types of methods of consideration:
Written Representations (most appeals are decided this way, including all householder applications).
Hearings.
Inquiries.
Householder appeals are generally heard by written representation (but this may also include a site visit by the Planning Inspector), with other larger developments being considered by hearing or inquiry, though sometimes new housing developments are considered by written representation. More information can be found on the Government’s site: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/appeals#appeals-against-refusal-of-planning-permission. See also Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Planning Portal.