Planning Guidance

Amendments to development proposals are common, especially when a new site owner decides to pursue a permission previously granted or respond to the current viability of a scheme, or in response to representations received on a current application. There are formal procedures for this, and these are summarised below.

Amendments prior to Determination

There is often change and alteration to development proposals during the planning process. It is considered good practice to consider these, where possible, prior to determination of an application. The case officer will liaise with the applicant/agent where possible to entertain this option if it leads to a more satisfactory outcome. The Council will apply its Practice Note for Handling Amendments to Planning Proposals in these circumstances.

Amendments after Determination

Experience shows that changes are often put forward following the grant of a planning permission. Again the procedures in the Practice Note will apply, but these are briefly summarised below.

• Major Amendment - This is where the nature of the development totally changes, such as the previous proposal for 5 houses is now 14 flats. In this circumstance, a fresh application will be required along with the appropriate fee.

• Material Minor Amendment

This is where the nature of the development remains largely similar, but for instance, the siting or layout materially changes. In this circumstance, an application to vary the approved plans condition (usually condition 2) will be required along with the appropriate fee. Documentation required is presently at the discretion of the Council.

If the amendment is assessed to be of a significant alternation (a Major Amendment), then that judgement will be made within 14 days of the receipt of the amendment, and an explanation given why a fresh application is needed.

• Non-Material Minor Amendment

This is where the development remains largely unaltered, but for instance, the siting of a window or internal layout is to change. In this circumstance, an application for a non-material amendment will be required along with the appropriate fee. Documentation required is presently at the discretion of the Council.

If the amendment is assessed to be of a material nature (a Material Minor Amendment or Major Amendment), then that judgement will be made within 14 days of the receipt of the amendment, and an explanation given why an application is needed.

The non-material amendments procedure does not apply to listed building/conservation area consents.

The Development Control service is likely to re-consult interested parties in both pre and post-determination amendments, and this is detailed in the Practice Note for Handling Amendments to Planning Proposals.