Who makes planning decisions

Some planning applications are considered by the Council's Planning Committee, which is made up of elected members of the Council. All other applications are decided by officers under "delegated powers". Permission may be granted with or without conditions, or can be refused. There are rights of appeal against the Council's decision, but only for the applicant. Most applications are dealt with in a period of five to eight weeks and about nine out of ten applications are approved.

The Council's Constitution sets out the instances when Planning Committee (rather than a planning officer) will make the decision. The following is an extract from the Council's Constitution (Section 9.1.1):

The Planning Committee will make decisions on the following functions of the Council as detailed in the Scheme of Delegation: functions relating to name and status of areas and individuals, the determination of planning applications, the diversion of footpaths and bridleways under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980, and on entering into planning agreements under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. These functions include:

• deciding planning applications where:
• a ward member requests that the application should go to committee; or
• the parish council for the site recommends refusal but the planning officer recommends consent.
• deciding all applications by members or officers of the Council in connection with Planning Functions
• deciding on a Planning Function where an officer has come to a view that it should be decided against the relevant written policy or policies of the Council.

If you have any questions in this area please contact the Planning Team - email planningoffice@westwiltshire.gov.uk