Planning
The planning system is designed to protect the environment in towns and villages as well as the countryside.
East Hampshire District Council works within national planning policy set out by the the Department for Communities and Local Government, as well as local policies which give guidelines about what can be built and where.
Our aim is to balance preserving the beauty of our district, while giving people and local businesses the facilities they need.
We have several teams who are responsible for different roles in this important task:
- planning policy
- planning development
- heritage
Planning policy
The planning policy team prepares planning policies and provides advice to guide development in the district. This includes working on the 'Local Development Framework' which outlines how planning will be managed in East Hampshire.
Local people and businesses are encourage to have their say as the documents are prepared to make sure the guidelines fit local needs and expectations.
Planning development
The Planning Development Team looks at the appearance of new development, how it will affect the surrounding environment, highway access, protecting and conserving the natural and built environment of the area. They will give advice and make decisions on planning applications, as well as dealing with appeals and making sure developers follow the terms of planning consents.
Heritage
Members of the team advise on the impact of planning applications on historic buildings (these are normally listed buildings) and conservation areas, trees and the landscape.
They also play a crucial part in preparing policies and good practice guidance to help people understand what they should be doing to protect the district's special qualities.
Building control
For most building work you will need consent under the building regulations.
The Building Control team checks that the health, safety and welfare of people is safeguarded in buildings. That means making sure new buildings are structurally sound andmeet minimum standards in areas of health and safety, energy conservation and access for disabled people.
National policies and websites
The Planning Portal is a national one-stop online shop for planning information and services through which you can:
- submit a planning application electronically
- learn about the planning system
- find out whether you are likely to need planning permission
- find out about development policy in your area
- research the latest government policy
The Department for Communities and Local Government is the government department responsible for planning policy and building regulations in England.
You can find useful information including leaflets and guides on the Communities and Local Government website.
Planning Services Charter
To deliver the best possible standard of service to customers, we have a Planning Charter which sets out in detail what we provide and the standards of service you can expect.
Related documents
Communities and Local Government documents:
Charges for pre-application advice - January 2010.pdf
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