Planning is a complex area and, once you have a clear idea of what you want to do, an early meeting with the Council's planning officer is the most cost effective way of achieving progress.
Will you need planning permission?
Not all business developments will need planning permission. For example, internal changes to existing buildings, minor alterations such as alarm boxes and telephone connections and low walls and fences may not need permission. However, the planning legislation is complex and it is advisable to check before commencing work.
The best approach is to contact the planning department on 01483 444501 with details of your proposals. This can be done informally and you can find out if your scheme needs planning permission.
If you proposals are large or complicated you will almost certainly need independent specialist advice – this may involve architects, surveyors and planners.
What if I am working from home?
Planning permissions will usually be needed if you business ‘takes over’ and alters the character of your home and the surrounding residential environment.
In most cases planning permissions will be needed if one or more of the following apply:
- Your home is no longer used substantially as a private residence.
- Your business results in a notable rise in vehicles or people calling
- Your business involves any activities unusual in a residential area
- Your business disturbs your neighbours at unreasonable hours or it is particularly noisy or smelly.
- You employ workers at hem who are not normally resident there.
If the answer if ‘yes’ to any of the above, or you would like to discuss your proposal with a Planning Officer, please call 01483 444501.
How best to tackle a major project?
If you are contemplating a major projects – a substantial factory extension or redevelopment, a new development or a number of buildings – there will undoubtedly be a complex series of issues to consider. The following approach is recommended:
1) Work out generally what you wish to achieve, You will probably need specialist advice at this initial stage
2) Arrange to meet with a Planning Officer before you finalise your plans. This will enable an informal assessment to take place covering, for example:
- how your scheme fits in with the Council’s Development Plan
- any site specific issues e.g. highways, parking, trees, drainage, or flooding
- the local context such as neighbours, important local buildings of views
Continue the dialogue with the Planning Department as you develop your proposals. This should ease the progress of your scheme. It is recommended that you always test out your ideas with the planners before working them up in detail – this can often save you considerable time and expense.
Who gets involved with a planning application?
The focus for your application will be the Development Control (DC) section with Guildford Borough Council, which is divided into geographical areas. You may also be in contact with Building Control and Environmental Health.
Surrey County Council are responsible for highway aspects and, depending on your proposals you may deal with them directly. For a large scheme you may well need specialist traffic consultants on your own team. The Fire Service and Environment Agency can also be consulted on proposals.
What happens once the application is lodged?
Once your application is lodged you will find that any amendments will be requested to be provided within seven days. If the proposals are likely to require lengthy negotiation you may be asked to withdraw the application, to carry out the necessary negotiations, and resubmit once the scheme is in a final form. If you have any queries on this, please get in touch.
Who makes the final decision?
The Planning Committee of the Borough Council makes decisions on planning applications. It means in public every three or four weeks. Decisions on minor schemes (usually from householders) are delegated to the Planning Officers.
If the Committee refuses permission then you have the right of appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. There is literature available to explain this process in detail.
Unauthorised development
Where development has been undertaken without planning permission, the Council will normally attempt to enter into discussions to persuade the owner or occupier to either submit an application and/or cease work. However negotiations will not be allowed to delay or hamper any enforcement action that may be necessary if an unauthorised development is causing serious harm to public planning interests. Action against unauthorised development may include enforcement, breach of condition or planning contravention notices or, in very serious cases, injunctive proceedings. The type of action taken by the Council will depend on the nature of the breach.
For further information please take a look at the planning section of our website.
How to contact us
Local planning enquiries are received at the 2nd floor reception at the Council offices,, open to visitors between 08.30 – 17.00 Monday to Thursday (08.30 – 16.30 Friday). In addition a representative from the Planning Department will also be available during the Council’s late night opening on Thursday evening between 17.00-20.00.
The Development Control section may be contacted by telephone during normal office hours.
Planning Officers are usually only available in person by prior arrangement - please telephone 01483 444501 for further information.