Environment and roads

What is a Planning Application?

The planning system is there to make sure that new uses for land and buildings are the right ones.

It balances national and local needs for development of all kinds against competing interests such as protecting the natural and man-made environment.

If anyone wishes to change the use to which that land or buildings are put, in most circumstances, they must apply to the local authority to obtain permission.

By law the authority must consider any planning application it receives in a set manner before making a decision.

Applications Determined by the County Council

One of the County Council’s responsibilities is to decide on all planning applications involving mineral workings and waste management activities (“County Matters”) as well as applications for services it provides, such as schools, libraries and roads (County Council applications).

How are the public notified of Planning Applications?

When a “County Matter” or County Council application is received, we let people know by putting notices on the site and posting on www.hertsdirect.org and in some cases placing an advert in the local press. We also normally send a letter to the owners/occupiers of all properties directly adjacent to the proposed development. These measures are in accordance with Planning Law as well as the County Council's Code of Practice (see link below). You are of course welcome to pass on or copy any letter you receive from the County Council about a planning application to anyone else you think may be interested.

Code of Practise Link: http://www.hertscc.gov.uk/envroads/environment/plan/planningapps/planningcodeofpractice/