Ellie Ames 03 April 2024

Council charges for ‘fast-track’ planning service

Council charges for ‘fast-track’ planning service image
Image: Richard M Lee / Shutterstock.com

Residents in Epsom and Ewell can pay to have planning applications decided faster as part of a new council service.

Launched on Monday (1 April), the optional fast-tracking costs £350 for a householder application – needed, for instance, to extend a home – and £150 for a lawful development certificate, which shows the proposed work does not need a formal application.

Applications will be determined quicker than the statutory 56-day timeframe: within 35 days for householder applications and 21 for lawful development certificates.

Last April, communities secretary Michael Gove warned Epsom and Ewell Borough Council that he was minded to hand its powers to the Planning Inspectorate because of ‘poor performance’.

Epsom and Ewell was deciding just 53% of planning applications in time, against an expected threshold of 70%.

The threat was lifted after performance improved.

Licensing and planning committee chair Steve McCormick said the council’s planning department had ‘overcome significant challenges’ and was now ‘well exceeding national targets’.

He added: ‘It is brilliant that Epsom and Ewell Borough Council can now facilitate a service which will meet an obvious need for many residents wishing to progress building projects within the borough.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner