Lib Dems pioneer new planning surgery service (South West Surrey Liberal Democrats)

South West Surrey Liberal Democrats <info@swsurreylibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems pioneer new planning surgery service

March 10, 2006 6:40 PM

Local residents with plans for small scale developments or adjustments to their properties can now take advantage of a new planning advice service being offered by Waverley Borough Council.

Waverley's planning surgeries provide residents who are considering making a planning application with the opportunity to speak face-to-face with a council planning officer.

This service has been introduced after past applicants suggested that there was a need for a system where planning questions could be answered informally. This reduces the waiting time for enquiries that would previously have had to be dealt with in writing.

Patrick Haveron, Waverley's portfolio holder for planning, explains:

"We have listened to what people want from us and feel that this service is a positive step towards making the planning process more accessible. The advising officers have many years of experience in planning, so are highly knowledgeable about the process, as well as issues affecting planning in the region. It should be noted, however, that advice given by planning officers is offered in an informal capacity. The advice given in these surgeries will certainly help people to make more effective applications, but we cannot guarantee what the eventual decision will be, because we only have the full information and consultation process when the actual application is made.

"Officers can discuss specific proposals prior to applications, but are not able to research or evaluate site potential or offer advice on what kinds of future developments would be acceptable, as in these cases it would be more appropriate to contact an independent planning consultant. This service is not intended to provide advice on large scale developments or new dwellings, but is a good opportunity to get advice on ideas you have for a house extension or the building of a new structure such as a domestic garage."

There is no need to make an appointment and officers will be available to provide guidance on planning proposals from 9.30am to 12:30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. It is expected that meetings will last no longer than fifteen minutes each and are on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to use this service, then it would be useful to bring sketch details and any other relevant information such as photographs showing the site and any adjacent properties.

Steve Thwaites, Director of Planning said: "The process of submitting a planning application could appear daunting to the average person, who may just want to make some simple alterations to their property and would be doing the building work on their own. These surgeries will be invaluable to just that kind of applicant and will enable them to find out how to ensure that their applications are properly submitted, so that they can enter the planning process quickly and without unnecessary complication.

"Applicants can now talk with a senior planner who can answer their

questions in plain English, cutting through the sometimes difficult

technical terms associated with planning. These new surgeries demonstrate our commitment to listening to the people of Waverley and our desire to make our planning service one that residents can help to shape and influence."