Development Control - Service Charter

Development Control Regulates the development and use of land. We cover planning applications and enforcement action. We monitor new developments and give advice about the planning system generally. We do not have control over building practices or property law.

Most planning applications are not contentious and are decided by our staff. However, large or potentially contentious applications are decided by panels of Councillors.

This leaflet explains the types and standards of service we provide. Other leaflets giving more details about parts of our service are also available. We always strive to provide the best service possible but some planning applications can be complex and subject to variations in procedure. This can increase the time taken to make a decision. Delays can also develop for reasons outside our control.

Our Aims are to:

Control development according to Council policy - maintaining and developing a safe, healthy and attractive place.
Secure compliance with planning legislation.
Provide clear advice about the need for planning permission and the merits of proposals.
Deal politely, fairly and appropriately with all our customers.

We do our best to care for the environment for today and for the future. 

What does the Development Control service offer?

We consider all applications for development and for such things as the display of advertising and work to listed buildings.

  • We give general advice on whether permission is needed, design, listed buildings, conservation areas and trees affected by development.
  • We give advice to encourage high quality applications and a smooth passage through the planning system.
  • We will try to negotiate an acceptable plan rather than refuse an unacceptable application without discussion.
  • We consult with local people who may be affected by development proposals.
  • We monitor development as it proceeds.
  • We handle reports of breaches of planning control.

What can you expect from the service?

If you submit an application, we will:

  • acknowledge valid applications within 5 working days, give a target date for decision and contact details of the person dealing with it.
  • return invalid applications within 5 working days and explain why.
  • inform you of the progress of your application, if requested.
  • make every effort to reach a decision on you application within 8 weeks.

We aim to decide 60% of most commercial applications and 80% of most other applications (including householder proposals) in 8 weeks. (A separate leaflet, 'Making a Planning Application', provides more detail).

If you are likely to be directly affected by an application, we will:

  • Inform you of the proposals.
  • take your comments and concerns into account before making the decision.
  • acknowledge receipt of your letters.
  • notify you of the final outcome of the application.

We will also inform you if an appeal is submitted against the Council's decision. (Another leaflet will be available detailing your position as a neighbour).

If you are appealing against a Council planning decision, we will:

  • comply with the timetable set by the Planning Inspectorate. (A 'Guide to taking part in planning appeals' published by the Planning Inspectorate is available at the Civic Offices Planning Reception).

If you contact us about possible unauthorised development, we will:

  • acknowledge receipt of your complaint.
  • investigate whether a breach of planning control has occurred.
  • take appropriate action

(Read more about our enforcement process here).

We will also:

  • give you clear information and advice by letter, phone or in person.
  • respond to your general letters within 8 working days.
  • try to return any phone messages by the next working day.

How can you help?

If you are about to submit a planning application, please:

  • read our leaflet 'Making a Planning Application' carefully.
  • fill in the application forms accurately.
  • send us 6 copies of all the information requested, including plans, and possibly photographs, and the correct fee.

In all cases:

  • make sure Development Control is the service you need.
  • quote your address and a reference number if there is one.
  • check who the case officer is on any letters you have received

How can you contact us?

In writing: to the Civic Offices, High Street, Epping CM16 4BZ, marking letters for the attention of the case officer, or the Development Control Team.

In person: at the Civic Offices Planning Reception. Case officers are generally available between 9am and 10.30am and a duty planner until 12 noon. An appointment should be made for other times.

By telephone: call 01992 564000 and ask for the duty planner, or call the direct line of the case officer, as advised.

By fax: 01992 564229

By e-mail: for general enquiries: ContactPlanning@eppingforestdc.gov.uk                       or to email a specific case officer, the format is:
intialsurname@eppingforestdc.gov.uk,                         e.g. to contact 'Mr A Person', email: aperson@eppingforestdc.gov.uk


What if things go wrong?

We aim to provide a courteous and efficient service and we hope you will not have cause to complain. If you have and cannot resolve the matter with the case officer, please contact the relevant team leader. If you are still unhappy, contact Nigel Richardson, Assistant Director of Planning (Development Control). We also have a formal complaints procedure. We also welcome your compliments or comments on the service generally.

What further information is available?

A number of guidance leaflets are available and others are being prepared. These are available at Planning Reception (or online in some cases) and include:


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Contacting Us

Epping Forest District Council
Civic Offices
High Street
Epping
Essex CM16 4BZ
Main switchboard
(01992) 564000

Main email address
ContactUs@eppingforestdc.gov.uk