Information for Agents relating to Planning & Building Control Matters

Ashdown Forest Special Protection Area, Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest

Information for Agents regarding the current situation on this.

Permitted Development Rights 2013

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development Order) (Amendment) (England) Order 2013 comes into effect as from 30th May 2013.  Further information can be found on our Permitted Development Rights webpage.

Regulation 73 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (pdf)

Information available outlining the situation for those proposing to exercise permitted development rights within the Zone of Influence of the Ashdown Forest Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

New Local List of Information Requirements

Following the consultation on the review of the Local List of User Requirements (formerly known as the Local Validation Criteria) which was carried out during February/March 2012, the Council has introduced these new requirements, effective from 1st January 2013.

The main changes to the Local List of User Requirements (including Appendices) (pdf) are:-

  1. The format aims to be more concise and, wherever possible, less onerous with the intention of speeding up the validation process.
  2. Only 2 sets of application forms and accompanying documents are required (unless submitted electronically).
  3. For Major and Minor development, (i.e. new housing, offices, industry, storage, warehousing, retail, distribution etc but not householder, advertisements, change of use, listed building/conservation area consents or lawful use certificates), there is a requirement to submit a summary document explaining the proposal. This is intended to assist statutory consultees and local stakeholders to understanding the proposal. The document should give an overview of the proposal and a clear description of its key impacts. It should:
  • Be clear and concise
  • Make use of bullet points
  • Be easy to read and in plain English
  • Contain simple drawings and plans, e.g. site plan, layout plan
  • Be no more than 10 pages in length

Top Ten Tips for Agents and Applicants when submitting Plans and Documents

With the increase in the submission of electronic planning applications and consultation with Statutory and other consultees now being carried out electronically, the Council has produced Guidance for Agents and Applicants (pdf) when submitting plans and documents. The purpose of this is to help speed up the receipt of planning applications and also is in response to comments received from consultees.

Planning Newsletter

This is produced quarterly and contains information that you may find useful on changes in the department.

Agents Panel

This panel is made up of 14 agents and representatives from the Department who meet quarterly to discuss current Planning matters. The meetings provide a useful forum for agents to air any issues of concern.

Agents Satisfaction Surveys

Twice a year a questionnaire is sent out to randomly selected agents and applicants, who have submitted planning applications within the target quarter. The aim of this is to monitor satisfaction levels and subsequently improve internal processes where necessary and if resources allow.

Results from previous surveys

Useful Presentations

Copies of Powerpoint presentations given at previous training events.

Guidance Documents

Useful documents which will assist in the development of any proposed scheme when submitting a Planning Application:

Useful Council Report Papers

Useful Documents