Planning
As Preshute is a relatively small parish, we usually hold Planning meetings within our usual full Council meetings. Timing of discussion of any proposed planning application discussion can be found on the full Council agenda notified on this website and our notice board at Clatford crossroads.
The process for routine planning application notifications
Planning application notices (green signs) are displayed near to the relevant site by Wiltshire Council and details are included on the website; http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-new . The Parish Council also displays pending applications on this website.
Planning Process
Parish Councillors must maintain an independent, impartial view until the Council has considered and debated each application in the relevant planning meeting. Consequently Preshute Parish Council has established a procedure for reviewing applications as follows.
- Every application is reviewed by the Parish Planning Representative to determine if a site visit is necessary.
- Small and uncontroversial applications are recommended for support under the Council’s ‘delegated powers’ arrangements without the need for a visit.
- Site visits are normally undertaken by two Parish Councillors to ensure that the Council adopts a broad perspective
- The two Councillors present their independent report about the application to the Planning meeting which is held in public for consideration by the full Council.
Current Planning Policies
The Parish Council is a consultee in the planning process and does not make the final decision regarding planning applications. The approval or rejection of applications is made by Wiltshire Council, which is the local planning authority. The Parish Council’s role is merely to indicate its support or objection after considering the details and taking a vote or obtaining general consensus. We also submit comments if necessary however Wiltshire Council’s final decision may not reflect the Parish Council’s recommendations.
It may help applicants to be aware of the guidance Wiltshire Council gives on the factors that are relevant in making the planning decision.
Relevant issues where planning applications are considered include:
Development plan policy
Government guidance
Highway safety and traffic
Design, appearance and layout
Effect on the level of daylight and privacy
Conservation of buildings, trees and open land
Need to safeguard the countryside
Noise disturbance and smells
The following are not relevant planning matters, and cannot be considered:
Effect on the value of property
Loss of a private view
Inconvenience or other problems caused by building works
Matters covered by other laws
Private property rights
The developer’s morals, motives of past record
Possible future development
The fact development may have started
Trade objections based on competition
Moral objections
Applicants are encouraged to seek advice from Planning Officials in Wiltshire Council.