A Farmer's Guide to the Planning System - ARCHIVE: Defra

EXPLAIN YOUR REASONS
4.8 You may find it useful to explain as concisely as possible on the application form, or on a
separate sheet of paper, your reasons for undertaking the project and the benefits that it is
intended to bring both to you personally and to the community (see paragraph 3.10). You could
also indicate, if appropriate, what consultations you have had with neighbours and other
interested parties and how far you have taken account of their opinions in your plans.
FORMS AND FEES
4.9 Planning application forms vary from authority to authority but their content is generally
similar. When you are sent the forms the planning authority should advise you about the fee
payable and if there are any exemptions that apply to your case. The fee is not refunded if
planning permission is refused, or if you subsequently withdraw your application. Some
authorities are experimenting with systems that can accept planning applications in electronic
form. Where relevant, they will explain how this works.
TIMING
4.10 It may be useful to find out from the authority the dates of future planning committee
meetings. If your application is likely to go before the committee for decision, making your
application at the right time could gain you three or four weeks if your proposals get on to the
agenda of an earlier committee meeting.
3 But if the present use of the land commenced more than ten years ago, or building operations were completed more
than four years ago, and no enforcement proceedings have been taken, you may alternatively consider applying for
a lawful development certificate - see Appendix E for details of how to obtain further information.
17
4