Frequently Asked Questions: Planning
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Planning FAQs
Q: Can we go straight to the Council with our hedge problem?
Q: My hedge dispute has been running for years. Am I expected to go through all this again?
Q: Who is responsible for the boundary of my property?
Q: How quickly will my planning application be determined?
Q: Who will be consulted when I submit a planning application?
Q: Who will make the decision on my application?
Q: What happens if I make a comment on or objection to a planning application?
Q: On what grounds may I comment on or object to an application?
Q: I think that a building should be listed. What should I do?
Q: Does planning permission override everything else?
Q: What is outline planning permission?
Q: What will the Council expect us to have done to sort out our hedge dispute between ourselves?
Q: What sorts of hedge complaint can the Council look at?
Q: Can I complain to the Council about individual trees?
Q: Does the hedge have to be on the boundary line or in next door’s garden?
Q: What’s a semi-evergreen tree or shrub?
Q: What sort of hedge related problems can I complain about?
Because each case is different, it's impossible to produce a list of potential grievances that you can choose from. You need to think about the disadvantages that you actually face, whether these are to do with the height of the hedge and how serious they are.
The Council won't be able to consider things that are not really about the hedge in question or its impact on your house and garden. For example, that other people keep their hedges trimmed to a lower height, or that the worry is making you ill.
Q: I’m worried that the hedge will cause subsidence in my home. Can I complain about this?
Q: Do I have to pay the Council to consider my hedge complaint? If so, how much?
Q: Will I get my money back if the Council uphold my hedge complaint?
Q: Can the Council help me get my costs back from my neighbours?
Q: What if I cannot afford to pay the fee to complain about my neighbour's hedge?
Q: How do I make a complaint about my neighbour's hedge?
Q: What will the Council do with my hedge complaint?
Q: How long will I have to wait for the Council to decide my hedge complaint?
Q: What happens if my neighbour doesn’t cut the hedge when they’re meant to?
Q: Is there anything I can do if I don’t like the Council’s decision about my hedge complaint?
Q: How do I find out about Tree Preservation Orders?
Q: Can I appeal if against a grant of planning permission?
Q: Is my property in Green Belt?
Q: Is my property at risk of flooding?
Q: Is my property a Listed Building?
Q: Is my property within a Conservation Area?
