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Planning

Planning Process in Chigwell Parish

First and foremost, it’s worth saying that Chigwell Parish is not the final decision maker for planning applications.  The Parish can only comment on applications which is then considered during the Planning Officers review of the application which happens at District Council

However, we welcome residents of Chigwell Parish to attend the relevant planning meeting, to put forward any views or objections which will be taken under consideration by the Chigwell Parish Planning Committee. Dates and agendas for planning meetings can be found here.

As a guide, the Parish will consider the below aspects in relation to planning

  • General design, visual appearance, and materials
  • Layout and density of buildings
  • Loss of daylight or sunlight to neighbours
  • Overshadowing/loss of outlook (but not loss of view)
  • Overlooking/loss of privacy
  • Smell pollution (food-related activities/businesses)
  • Light pollution
  • Adequacy of parking
  • Intrusion into the Open Countryside/ Green Belt
  • Loss of important trees/ Nature conservation
  • Whilst moral objections e.g. to uses such as amusement arcades and betting offices are not usually part of our remit, we will consider local residents’ & occupier’s views in this respect

 

Once we have voted on a scheme, the application will be passed to either a Planning Officer at Epping Forest District Council if non-contentious or a Planning Sub Committee which is often referred to as “Plan South” and consists of a number of District Councillors.

At the District Council, there will be further review of the design plus all the matters we have considered but also to those which fall outside our remit, including, but not limited to, drainage systems, landscaping, hazardous materials and ground contamination, as will matters relating to local, strategic, regional and national planning policies, risk of flooding, effect of Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas and Archaeology.  The Highways department will also have an input over vehicular ingress & egress and traffic management matters.

Once an application is approved there is further scrutiny throughout the construction process by the Building Control Department at the District Council who enforce Building Regulations or other non-planning laws e.g. disabled persons access, structural stability, drainage, fire precautions etc

There are constant changes to the Planning Laws and up to date advice should be sought. There is a Duty Planning officer available at Epping Forest District Council Offices who should be able to assist with any enquiries.

Epping Forest publishes a weekly list of planning and tree applications, notifications and appeals received every Friday – to view them use the link below

Weekly list of planning applications

https://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/planning-and-building/weekly-list-of-planning-applications/

Contact details:

Chigwell Parish Council,
Hainault Road, Chigwell Essex, IG7 6QZ

Tel: 020 8501 4275
Fax: 020 8501 2045
Email: info@chigwellparishcouncil.gov.uk