Development Control
Development Control is a statutory function of local government; this means that relevant provisions relating to such control, including the legal rights of citizens are set out in various Acts of Parliament and related statutory instruments. Development Control is a key part of the Planning System, being the process by which society, represented by locally elected councils, regulates changes in the use and appearance of the local environment.
The main function of the Development Control service is the processing of planning applications. In addition, a number of other activities are undertaken as part of the service. The principal activities are:-
- Processing applications (including facilitation of diversions of public rights of way)
- Providing development control advisory services
- Pursuing enforcement action against unauthorised developments
- Protection of conservation interests (including designating Tree Preservation Order)
- Dealing with appeals
- Dealing with Land Charge Searches
- Dealing with High Hedge Regulations
The Development Control Section of the Planning Department comprises 18 posts. In 2002 over 1500 planning, advertisement and tree applications were received and at that time over 80% of the planning applications received were determined in under 8 weeks. Bridgend County Borough Council and its predecessor Authority have regularly topped the Welsh performance table for this target. In 2004 the number of applications increased to almost 1900, and performance levels have consequently been affected. This situation has been further aggravated as two senior officers left the section at the beginning of the year and the posts filled in August.
For more information, please contact the Development Control Section of the Planning Department on 01656 643177 or email : planning@bridgend.gov.uk.
- Last Updated: 30/06/2005
- Rate this page
- Back to top
