Christmas and New Year closure information
Our council offices and phone lines will close at 4pm on Wednesday 24 December and reopen at 9am on Monday 5 January 2026.
See our service arrangements for customers during this time.
Planning service standards
Local authority planning departments in the UK follow specific standards of service to ensure efficient and effective planning processes. Here are some key aspects:
1. Decision timelines
Decision Timelines: Local planning authorities typically have up to 8 weeks to decide on minor applications (e.g., most householder cases) and up to 13 weeks for major developments[1].
2. Performance criteria
The government sets criteria for assessing the performance of local planning authorities. These criteria include the speed and quality of decision-making for both major and non-major developments[2].
3. Community involvement
Local planning authorities are encouraged to involve the community in the planning process. This includes consulting on Local Plans and considering feedback on planning applications[1].
4. Sustainable development
Planning departments aim to ensure that development is sustainable, balancing economic growth with environmental protection and community needs[1].
5. Transparency and accountability
Authorities are expected to operate transparently, providing clear information on planning decisions and processes[1].
