What Influence Does Bassenthwaite Parish Council Hold Regarding Planning Applications?
Bassenthwaite Parish Council serves as a consultative body for relevant Planning Authorities, typically the Lake District National Park Authority, concerning all planning applications within its jurisdiction. The Planning Authority considers any viewpoints expressed by the Parish Council before reaching a decision, provided they pertain to the determination of a planning application. It’s essential to note that while the Parish Council’s input is considered, the final decision rests with the Planning Authority.
The Parish Council exclusively comments on “material considerations” regarding planning applications. Issues such as boundary disputes between neighbors or private view obstruction are not within its purview.
Do Parish Councils Grant Planning Permission?
Parish councils, including Bassenthwaite Parish Council, do not possess the authority to grant planning permission. They serve solely as statutory consultees in the planning process. Their role is limited to being informed of planning applications within the parish and providing comments, akin to individual citizens. Therefore, the timeline for determining a planning application is determined by the Planning Authority, not the parish council. However, a parish council can request additional time to comment on an application, which is subject to the Planning Authority’s discretion and its own decision-making deadlines.
How Do Parish Councils Comment on Planning Applications?
Bassenthwaite Parish Council can only deliberate and agree on comments regarding planning applications in properly convened council or committee meetings, open to the public. The agreed-upon comments are then submitted in writing by the parish clerk to the relevant Planning Authority. This process mirrors that of individual citizens providing comments. Bassenthwaite Parish Council has in place a scheme of delegation that allows for planning applications to be considered between meetings if required due to timescales.
Valid Reasons for Commenting on a Planning Application
When considering planning applications, clear, concise, and accurate comments are more likely to be considered these are known as material considerations.
Avoiding Irrelevant Objections
Certain matters, not constituting “material planning considerations” under current legislation and guidance, should be avoided in objections, as they hold no weight in the planning process.
Addressing Other Concerns and Issues
While not necessarily objections, concerns regarding specific aspects of planning applications, such as materials or landscaping details, can still be raised by residents. The Lake District National Park Authority’s planning pages offer additional information and resources on planning matters.
Planning : Lake District National Park
Bassenthwaite Parish Council 