1. Code of Practice For Processing Of Planning Applications

Introduction

This Code of Practice has been prepared to advise applicants of their expectations and obligations when submitting applications for planning permission, Listed Building Consent, Conservation Area Consent, Advertisement Consent, Hazardous Substances Consent or works to protected trees in Worthing. It will also assist us, through monitoring, to assess the quality of the service given by the Development Control Group. 

Registration - Complete Applications

We will:-

• register each application within 3 working days of receipt, so long as it is accompanied by the correct fee and is complete (as set out in the Notes of Guidance which are sent out with the application forms);
  
  
• confirm registration of the application in writing within 2 working days of registration and will give the applicant the name of the officer who will be dealing with the application, the officer's direct dial telephone number, and the reference number which has been allocated to the application. A receipt for the fee will also be issued at this stage.

Registration - Incomplete Applications

We will:-

• give advice to applicants who submit incomplete applications, to clarify what information or what fee is necessary for registration, within 5 working days of receipt;
  
  
• allow applicants up to 14 days to submit the information or fee that is necessary for registration. If applicants need more time to submit the extra information or fee, an additional 14 days will be given if a request is made in writing;
  
  
• return incomplete applications where no response is received to a request for further information within 16 days of that request.

Processing the Application

We will:-

• attempt to determine at least 80% of all applications within eight weeks of registration and will attempt to determine the following types of applications as follows:-
  
  
  • Major Applications - 60% within 13 weeks;
    
    
  • Minor Applications - 80% within 8 weeks;
    
    
  • Other Applications - 95% within 8 weeks;

• carry out consultations, advertising and neighbour notification in connection with the application in accordance with our Code of Practice and statutory obligations.
  
  
• take into account relevant planning representations submitted in connection with the application, including any submitted on behalf of the applicant, or by third parties
  
   
• take into account relevant Government advice, the West Sussex Structure Plan and the Worthing Local Plan, together with any other relevant standards, advice or legislation;
  
  
• visit the application site and make an assessment of the application on its planning merits, taking into account its possible effect and impact on the locality.

Negotiations

We will:-

• suggest or try to negotiate improvements or amendments to an application where the proposal can be made acceptable (or can be improved) by making relatively minor amendments to it;
  
  
• when suggesting amendments or improvements to an application, provide an applicant with a reasonable and clear timescale for giving a response;
  
  
• assume that applicants do not wish to negotiate or make amendments to an application where no response is forthcoming within the timescale previously given;
  
  
• not instigate or entertain negotiations where an application is obviously unacceptable in principle or where it is directly in conflict with the provisions of the Worthing Local Plan.

Decisions

We will:-

• issue Decision Notices within three working days of the date the decision is made;
  
  
• send Decision Notices to the applicant's agent, unless there is no agent, in which case it will be sent to the applicant;
  
  
• ensure that Decision Notices include any Conditions imposed (and the Reasons for them) when permission is granted or the Reasons for Refusal when it is not;
  
  
• advise all third parties who submit representations of the final decision within seven working days of the date the decision is made.

For further information and advice please contact the:

Development Control Group
Tel: 01903 221356/221357
Minicom: 01903 204500
E-Mail: planning@worthing.gov.uk

or

Visit our web site at www.worthing.gov.uk/planning

A leaflet version of this Code of Practice is available in large print from our office.

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