Ashfield District Council: The Development Team Approach

The Development Team Approach

A complete service to the development industry

Ashfield District Council is committed to meeting the Government's agenda for modernising the planning system and recognises that the planning process is a key factor in promoting regeneration and job creating development in the area.

The Council has already signed up to the East Midlands Planning Charter which makes a commitment to the efficient and effective processing of planning applications and as part of this we aim to provide a Development Team approach for dealing with major development proposals.

What is the Development Team approach?

We intend to provide a co-ordinated development control service to the development industry by establishing a "One Stop Shop" for developers whose proposals make a significant contribution to the Council's planning and economic development strategies. These would normally be residential developments of 50 or more dwellings and employment, commercial or retail development of at least 10,000 square metres.

By contacting a single planning officer of the Council, who will act as co-ordinator, we aim to bring together a "Development Team" of professionals from all key partners in the development process, to help streamline the determination of major development proposals and to achieve a speedy, comprehensive outcome. This will include not only the Council's in-house services but also external agencies.

Who is involved?

The Council has encouraged key consultees to "sign up" to our Development Team, to secure their participation and input into key projects within the District. These include the Council's Building Control, Housing Strategy, Planning Policy, New Development, Regeneration and Environmental Health services; as well as external agencies including Severn Trent, English Nature, Nottinghamshire County Council's Highways and Heritage teams, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Nottinghamshire Police and the Environment Agency.

We will also seek to encourage the involvement of any other relevant agencies as a development may require.

How will it work?

The Development Team will be run alongside our current consultation procedures but we hope that by bringing together and involving the main parties from the pre-application stage, the most important issues will be highlighted early and many time consuming problems resolved quickly.

In particular, the approach is aimed at guiding developers through the development process, not only with planning permissions but also with any other consents that may be required from other agencies. Additionally, advice can be given in relation to sourcing potential grant funding, training provision and workforce availability.

What if my proposals are confidential?

You may wish to discuss confidential proposals with us. The Development Team approach respects such confidentiality and we will not release any details either internally or externally unless it is necessary to do so in order to assist you and then only with your agreement.

How do I benefit from the Development Team approach?

The approach will ensure that you receive:-

A clear picture of the Council's policies on planned development;
A unified and consistent approach;
Assistance in resolving potential problems or conflicts between consent regimes;
A co-ordinated and integrated service from the Council and other agencies that will be time-efficient and cost-effective.

How do I use the service?

If you wish to access the Council's Development Team approach service, then please speak to Trevor Watson, the Head of Land and Property, who will make the necessary arrangements. In all cases, the appointed co-ordinating officer will be a Chartered Town Planner and will have the necessary skills and experience. You will be contacted by the co-ordinating officer within two working days of your initial contact, to discuss your proposal and identify the main issues.

Development Team procedure:

Initial contact to establish basic outline of proposal.
Appointment of Co-ordinating Officer and briefing on proposal.
Co-ordinating Officer will contact the developer to discuss proposal (within 2 working days).
Submission of preliminary details (if applicable).
Initial assessment of proposal by Co-ordinating Officer and contact of relevant consultees as required.
Arrangement of meeting with developer/consultees, if required, or assessment of proposal/liaison with consultees (within 14 working days).
Written response to developer (within 21 working days).

Developer's Check-list

This is intended to assist developers in submitting a planning application. It provides a list of documents and plans to be submitted with your application together with useful reference points and links to further information. A list of named officer contacts is also provided.

Download the Developer's Check-list

The Council's commitment:

A lead officer will be appointed to manage and co-ordinate your proposal from pre-application to final decision stage and will be readily available to provide advice and assistance.
The service provided will be multidisciplinary and proactive, with ready access to professional advice and guidance from key players in the development process. The Council will also actively identify key sites in the District and seek to encourage their appropriate development.
An efficient and effective service will be provided and aided by the use of project management tools to keep customers fully briefed of the process.
The service will be comprehensive and include advice and guidance on related consent regimes, legislation and available assistance.

Contact: Development Advice & Control

Hours: The main council offices are open:-

Monday to Thursday: 0830 - 1700
Friday: 0830 - 1630