ADVICE SURGERY
Rhymney Bridge planning application
*PLEASE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT*
Sunday 8 September, 1–3pm | St David’s Community Centre, High Street, Rhymney NP22 5NB
BACKGROUND
A number of constituents have asked for our advice on the procedure for dealing with planning applications.
This surgery will be appointment-based so constituents can speak to us about the planning process and we can give advice on the planning process to anyone who needs it.
For those who cannot attend, please note the following general advice about commenting on planning applications:
PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE ON A PLANNING APPLICATION
What is a planning application?
A planning application is a formal request to a local authority for planning permission. The application might be for a building or engineering operation, or to change the use of a building or other land. The procedures can include retrospective applications for development.
Any member of the public can comment on a planning application. All occupiers of properties which are next to or close to the application site have to be asked their views.
The local authority (Caerphilly County Borough Council) Planning Committee is ultimately responsible for all local planning decisions.
Probably the most important piece of advice is to make sure your comments and objections on the application are relevant only to the planning issues. This covers issues such as the development plan policies for the area, highways impact, landscape, environment and habitats, impact on a Conservation Area, impact on listed buildings, local heritage interest, ground conditions and suitability for development. Similarly, residents who are supportive of any application may make their views known to the Planning Department.
For all applications, a planning officer will prepare a report on the application and make a recommendation on whether it should be approved or refused, after considering all the relevant issues.
Your comments must be submitted in writing to your authority’s planning department either by letter or by email. In this case it must be by the end of September due to the Planning Committee looking like it will meet about this application in October.
Send comments and objections to:
Planning Services, Tŷ Tredomen, Parc Tredomen, Ystrad Mynach, Hengoed. CF82 7WF
Comments and objections can also be sent by email via the Council’s website (www.caerphilly.gov.uk).
What happens next?
The application can be decided in a number of different ways. It can either be:
- a) Approved, usually with conditions attached
- b) Refused, with reasons for refusal
- c) Deferred, to allow the Planning Committee to see the site for themselves. The decision will then usually be made at the next meeting after a site visit.
Further advice on the planning system: What to do when faced with a planning application in Wales (Planning Aid Wales): http://www.planningaidwales.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/What-to-do-when-Faced_with_a_pa_ENGLISH_2010.pdf
If the application is refused the applicant will have a right of appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
To make an appointment for this advice surgery, please call the office of either:
- Gerald Jones MP on 01685 383 739
- Dawn Bowden AM on 01685 386 672
If you are unable to attend, you can get in touch with Carl, Gerald or Dawn via email using the contact details below: