Development control
Development control is the process of dealing with individual development proposals to ensure that they meet local, regional and national planning polices and guidelines. Each proposal is assessed on its own merits, taking into account policy, need, local circumstances and public opinion.
Most people only come into contact with the planning system either when they seek permission to build something or when decisions have to be taken about whether something can be built in their area. Most new buildings or major changes to existing buildings or to the local environment need consent - known as planning permission.
A request for planning permission is known as a planning application, a document which describes the new building or the changes for which permission is sought. Each application for planning permission is made to the local planning authority for the area. Each local authority keeps a register of planning applications and it can be consulted on-line or at council's offices.
Consultation on planning applications
Access Southwark Council's Planning Register
Some of the issues that are considered when making decisions on planning applications are:
- the Council's planning policies
- the planning policies of the Regional Spatial Strategy for the area (in the case of London, this is the London Plan)
- sustainability
- conservation
- balance of uses in an area
- design issues and landscaping
- crime and Safety
- road Safety, access and parking
- noise and activity
- disabled access and parking
- loss of light/overshadowing
Issues that are not usually considered:
- competition between business
- viability of individual businesses
- devaluation of property
- personal circumstances
- cost
- disruption from construction work
- land ownership issues
- legal issues
- construction