New Procedures For Planning Introduced

New planning procedures are being brought in by Dover District Council from 1 December, aimed at bringing greater certainty and faster turnaround to answering questions about whether planning permission is needed for a whole range of developments across the district.

People often ask if they need planning permission for alterations to their houses, or for any other kind of development. The Council has previously provided such advice in writing and by telephone without charge. This advice can only be informal and may not be sufficient for other parties if, for example, you wish to sell your house.

From 1 December, simple telephone or other verbal enquiries with an obvious answer will still be given an informal response. However, for more complex enquiries, or if you wish to know in writing whether planning permission is required for development of any nature (including any change of use), you will need to submit an application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed Use or Development (Form 16). A fee is payable, which is 50% of the fee for a planning application for the same development. The Council's decision on the application will be a formal determination of whether or not planning permission is required and will, therefore, be binding.

For more information, or to submit an application for the Certificate, visit www.dover.gov.uk/planning/forms.asp, or to request a form call 01304 821199.