New applications

We check each application to make sure we have all the documents we need and that the forms are correctly filled in and signed.  We aim to do this and send an acknowledgement letter within 3 working days of receipt.  If there is a problem, we do not register the application but contact the agent (or applicant if there is no agent) to explain what is needed.  We start working on the application only when we have received all outstanding plans or information and the correct fee. 

How long does it take to decide applications?

We deal with most applications within eight weeks.  However, some take longer as events beyond our control, such as objections or consultation responses, may arise which require further investigation. Speed is only one consideration - we wish to see good quality development and provide a good quality service to our customers.

Specialist Advice

We often need to seek advice about an application.  We may need to consult specialists from our own departments, such as environmental health, or with the county council or other organisations.  They should respond within 21 days and we take their advice into account when considering the application.

How does AVDC publicise applications?

To publicise planning applications we:

• display one or more planning notices for 14 or 21 days, depending on the proposal - we place these on or close to the site where the public can see them
• send copies of applications to the relevant town or parish council, so they can comment on them
• advertise some applications in a local newspaper
• publish details on our website - follow the link below to see details of planning applications
• publish new applications and in a weekly booklet called ‘The Bulletin’.  We send copies to parish and town councils and a range of other organisations and private subscribers. You can see copies at our offices and some public libraries in the district. 
• sometimes re-advertise applications if changes are made to the proposal.

How can I find out more?

You can follow the link below to see details of planning applications, including copies of the plans, or visit our office in Aylesbury. 

We assign each application to a case officer.  Please contact them if you wish to discuss the application.  However, they won’t have enough information for the first three weeks after registration to tell you when a decision is likely or what the outcome might be. The case officer’s name is printed on the planning notice and the acknowledgement letter or you can find out who they are by following the link below to details of planning applications. 

Site inspections

The case officer inspects the site, usually within 2 weeks of the registration date.  They may find it helpful to view the site from neighbouring privately owned land.  If you are a neighbour who feels that the site should be viewed from your property, please invite them to do this.

Occasionally other planning officers or members of the Development Control Committee inspect sites.  Committee site visits give councillors an opportunity to see the site, but they cannot speak to you about the application during their visit.

Negotiations

Many applications are well prepared and need no changes, while others will be considered unacceptable.  If minor changes are needed to resolve the problem, we ask the agent or applicant to amend the application so a decision can still be made within eight weeks.  If major changes are needed, we do not request amendments, but make a decision about the application in its existing form unless the applicant withdraws it.

Reports

The Case Officer prepares a report after

• inspecting the site
• receiving responses from any specialists we consulted
• any further investigations are complete and
• the period for making comments has passed

The report takes into account national and local planning policies and guidance and explains which are relevant to the proposal.  It also summarises and considers any specialist advice or comments received and any other relevant information. Most reports end with a recommendation to approve or refuse the application.

What happens next?

We tell the agent or applicant of the decision, usually within 2 working days of making it. We also tell everybody who commented on the application about the decision.  You can see copies of decision notices and case officers reports by following the link below to details of planning applications.

Applicants can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate if they are not happy with our decision.  Follow this link to the planning portal to find out more about planning appeals.

Date Updated: 20/03/08