Skip to main content.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Link to Planning Explorer

What is Planning Explorer?

Explorer is an on-line service that allows you to view details of Planning Applications received by Charnwood Borough Council. You can:
• View details of current and historic applications back to 2001
• View copies of submitted documents including forms, plans and associated correspondence
• Monitor the progress of a current application
• Submit comments about an application
• Search a list of applications validated or decided each week
• View Planning Decision Notices
• View information regarding appeals and appeal decision letters.
Although almost all information back to 2001 is now available some items are missing, if you are aware this is the case let us know by e-mail (development.control@charnwood.gov.uk) and we will try to rectify the problem.

What information does Planning Explorer contain?

Planning Explorer contains planning, building, property and land information. Users may search and view Planning history details as well as review and comment on current Planning Applications.
Information may be retrieved through the Planning Explorer Application search engine more customised searches may be performed using the advanced search function.
• Full details of planning applications including all documentation received since 2001 are currently available.
• Planning constraints information relative to planning applications is currently available to view online.
• Documents and plans submitted with an application are normally made available within 3 working days of an application being registered.
• If you require to view documents on-line in respect of an application submitted prior to 2001 please e-mail development.control@charnwood.gov.uk with your request and we will endeavour to meet your request and advise you when it is available.

How do I use Planning Explorer?

Planning Explorer has been designed to be as simple and easy to use as possible. There are a number of features that are used to ensure this application is easy to use and navigate around.
The Planning Explorer home page contains a number of quick links to help you navigate into the required area of the application. Otherwise, use the menu bar on the left hand side of the screen to access a particular area of the application. In addition, navigation links are provided along the top of the page.

Top of Page

Planning conditions and refusal reasons. How can I view them?

On the Planning Application Search Results screen, double click on the application number to take you to the Planning Application Details - Application Progress screen.
Under Application Details scroll down and double click on "Conditions" or "Refusal Reasons".

Decision Notices. How can I view them?

On the Planning Application Search Results screen, double click on the application number to take you to the Planning Application Details - Application Progress screen.
Under Application Details scroll down and double click on View Related Documents, double click on the PDF icon alongside Decision Notice.

How can I reproduce a Weekly List?

To create a replica of a Weekly List with the information usually included plus enquiries about the need for planning permission you will need to:-
Use the drop down menu that has "Date Received" and alter to "Date Registered"
Enter the dates
Between (enter last Fridays date)
And (the following Thursdays date)
This should be done after 5pm on the Thursday to ensure all registered applications are included.
Select the Radar Point on the left hand side.
Search.
Press the Planning Explorer Print button at the top of the list.

How can I remember to check the Weekly List?

Instructions for setting up a "Task" in Microsoft Outlook.

To create a task from scratch
1. On the File menu, point to New, and then click Task.
2. In the Subject box, type a task (Remind me to check the Weekly List.) .
3. Complete any other boxes on the Task and Details tabs for information you want to record for the task.
4. To make the task recur, click Recurrence, click the frequency Weekly) at which you want the task to recur, and then do the following:

Show make the task recur at regular intervals. Select options for that frequency. Do not click Regenerate new task, or the task will not recur at regular intervals.
5. Set start and end dates for the task if required.
6. Click OK.
7. Tick reminder and then click Save and Close.

When was Planning Explorer last updated?

Planning Explorer provides a live link through to the Borough Council database and all information entered onto the system is immediately available through Planning Explorer.

Will I only be able to view planning applications?

No, you will be able to view any enquiries that we have received asking if planning permission is required and any submitted self assessment forms. The application type for this information is PP Questionnaire.
This information will keep you informed of building works that may be carried out even if they do not require planning permission. When we have responded to an enquiry the status will be "Decided" and the Decision will be either "Permission Required","Permission not Required" or "Advice Given", with further information under the "Conditions" tab in the "Application Progress" screen.
We do not respond to self assessment forms or enquiries made that are covered by self assessment forms, if a response from the Borough Council is required an application for a certificate of Lawful Development needs to be completed.

How will I know when the deadline for comments expires?

On the Planning Applications Details - Application Progress screen refer to the Comments Welcome Until Date where your comments can be submitted electronically direct into the planning system up until midnight on the expiry date.

How can I make a formal objection to a planning application?

On the Planning Applications Details - Application Progress screen refer to the Comments Welcome Until Date, click on "add comments". On the planning comments screen enter your details and your comments/objection in the comments box. Please enter your Email address and we will respond as soon as possible.

How will I know if my comments/objections have been received if I send them electronically?

When electronic comments/objections are received we will publish them on our web site with the application details within 48 hours.

What does it mean when an application has a "new" status?

The status "new" means that the application has been received and is awaiting checking for completeness and accuracy before commencement of the consultation process. The plans will not normally be displayed on our website at this stage.

What does it mean when an application has a "invalid" status?

An application is made invalid when the application is found to be inaccurate or incomplete. The 8 week period within which the local planning authority should notify the applicant of the decision does not begin to run until the application is validated and registered. The plans will not normally be displayed on our website until the application is registered and consultations have commenced.

What does it mean when an application has a "registered" status?

When an application has been checked for completeness and accuracy the status changes to "registered" and processing commences. The plans will then be displayed on our website.

How will I know if a planning application is to be considered by a planning committee?

The decisions on all applications are deemed to be delegated to the Director of Development except where:
(i) the application is contrary to the provisions of an approved or draft Development Plan policy or Supplementary Planning Guidance and is recommended for permission;
(ii) the application is potentially controversial or likely to be of significant public interest or would have a significant impact on the environment in the opinion of the Director of Development, or is such that the Director of Development considers it should be determined by the Planning Committee;
(iii) the application is submitted by or on behalf of the Council for its own development, except for the approval of development which is not of major impact and to which no objections have been received;
(iv) a councillor has indicated, in writing, with one or more of the following reasons:
(a) the proposal is a material departure from planning policies and standards;
(b) the proposal is controversial or likely to be of significant public interest or have a significant impact on the environment or neighbours;
(c) the decision would set a precedent that could prejudice decisions elsewhere;
to the Director of Development within the timescale specified on the weekly list (normally 21 days after publication of the list) that the application is such that it should be submitted to the Planning Committee for a decision, and remains of this view after consultation with the Director of Development;
(v) the details of an intended delegated decision on any application where material planning representations have been received in conflict with that recommendation have been circulated to the ward councillors concerned and to the Chair of the Planning Committee, and
(a) the ward councillor has advised the Director of Development that the decision should be referred to the Planning Committee by 5pm on the second working day following the list being sent out stating the reason for the request, with that being confirmed, in writing, within five working days, and
(b) the Director of Development, in consultation with the Chair of the Planning Committee, decides that the decision on the application should be referred to the Planning Committee.

How can I locate the planning application site on a map?

On the Planning Application Search Results screen, double click on the application number to take you to the Planning Application Details - Application Progress screen.
Under Application Details on the right hand side are the Location Co-ordinates, alternatively scroll down and double click on View Related Documents, double click on the PDF icon alongside Site Location Plan.

Plans and forms. How can I view them?

On the Planning Application Search Results screen, double click on the application number to take you to the Planning Application Details - Application Progress screen.
Under Application Details scroll down and double click on View Related Documents. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view the documents. If you have an old version it is suggested that you up grade to version 7.0 a link is available at the bottom of the list of documents or choose below. Double click on the PDF icon alongside the plans of forms that you want to view.

Does Planning Explorer replace the need for a formal Land Charges Search?

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the data, the planning information within the site is at present incomplete and must not be used as a substitute for carrying out a formal ‘Land Charge Search’. No responsibility will be taken for any errors or omissions in the planning history information obtained from “Planning Explorer”.

How accurate is the information?

The information contained within Planning Explorer does not constitute in any way a formal notification of a planning decision, and as such any actions undertaken as a result of information displayed on the site are undertaken entirely at the viewer’s own risk.

How can anyone view planning information if they don't have access to a computer?

Free internet access is available at the main Loughborough and Community Libraries where staff are available for assistance. Further information can be obtained from their website or telephone the main library on 01509 21298. Alternatively free internet access to our services is also available at our Customer Service Centre where staff can assist you if required, please telephone our Customer Service Centre on 01509 634789 for further information.

Last updated: Fri 12th February, 2010 @ 15:15