Development Control - Planning - Businesses

Summary

Economic development and employment creation is a leading priority for the Council. The Barnsley Unitary Development Plan (UDP) focuses its policies and proposals on the amount, type and location of land for development and on measures to support existing industrial and commercial development in the Borough. These are based on a balance between the sometimes conflicting and ultimately complementary goals of re-industrialisation and environmental protection and enhancement in order to achieve sustainable economic development.

The growth of existing firms will be one of the most important ways in which the future employment needs of the Borough's people will be met, and this will often lead to situations where the firm wishes to expand its premises. The Council will encourage this process, but will seek to maintain a balance between the needs of those firms wishing to expand, and the impact of such expansion on their neighbours and on the facilities of the Borough.

Firms seeking to expand will be expected to take care with the sitting and design of their proposals, and to ensure that damage to other interests is avoided. It may not always be possible to accommodate the desired extension, and in such cases firms will be urged to consider the option of relocation to other suitable premises within the Borough.

Eligibility

For all those proposing new business development.

Procedure

Planning permission is not always necessary for new business development. It is not required for changes to the inside of buildings, or for small alterations to the outside such as the installation of telephone connections and alarm boxes. Small business can be operated from home. The key test is whether the overall character of the dwelling will change as a result of the business.

The general planning principles and the procedures for making a planning application are described in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) booklet,Planning permission: a guide for business.

There is a wide range of information and guidance about the planning system offered on the Planning Portal www.planningportal.gov.uk

The Barnsley UDP contains policies against which new business development will be assessed.

Helplines

Address: Planning & Transportation Service, Development Control Section, Central Offices, Kendray Street, Barnsley, S70 2TN.

Phone: (01226) 772595

Fax: (01226) 772591

Email: developmentcontrol@barnsley.gov.uk

Charges/Fees

There are fees for planning applications, which are determined by Central Government. The Council can tell you how much is payable. The amount varies according to the type of development proposed.

A fee calculator on the Planning Portal can work out the cost of any particular planning application.

Method of Payments Available

Planning fees can be paid by cheque, cash, and credit card.

Opening Times/Locations

Opening Times are:

8.30 am - 5.00 pm Monday to Thursday

8.30 am - 4.30 pm Friday

How the Customer can Help

Not applicable.

Application Form References

Standard planning application forms are available form planning reception and the BMBC website.

Leaflets

The Council has published Supplementary Planning Guidance Notes (SPG's) on a range of planning subjects, including advice about industrial units and warehouses SPG1, uses on employment sites SPG23; and landscape design for industrial development SPG26.

The ODPM publication, Planning Permission: a guide for business, provides guidance on when planning permission is required, how to make a planning application, and what happens afterwards.

Distribution Points

Copies of leaflets are available free of charge from the planning reception at Central Offices; and via the BMBC website.

Legislation

Town and Country Planning Use Classes (Amendment) Order 2005.

Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995.

Websites

www.planningportal.gov.uk

www.odpm.gov.uk

www.barnsleydevelopmentagency.co.uk

Response Times/Next Steps

Most planning applications are determined within a statutory period of 8 weeks. The target for determining applications for major development is 13 weeks.

The planning application process is described in detail on the Planning Portal.

Out of Hours Procedure

Access by e-mail fax or via the website.

Owner Officer Contact Details

Andrea Chitoriski (01226) 772108

andreachitoriski@barnsley.gov.uk

Additional Notes

Not Applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Use Classes?
The Town and Country Planning Use Classes (Amendment) Order 2005 puts uses of land and buildings into various categories running from A1 to D2 (for example C1 Hotels, C2 Residential Institutions etc).

The different 'Use Classes' are summarised on the 'Planning Portal' website.

Planning permission is not required when both the present and proposed uses fall within the same 'class' as defined in the Town and Country Planning Use Classes (Amendment) Order 2005. It is also possible to change the use between some classes without making an application.

Where can I get advice about change of use?
Some changes are permitted by the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, as amended. The Council can give advice about permitted changes.

For more information see the leaflet entitled 'Planning Permission - A Guide for Business', obtainable from the reception area of our offices or visit the ODPM website.

Related Links:

• ODPM (Businesses)
• Planning Portal
• Barnsley Development Agency