Planning

The Parish Councils role in Planning

The Planning Services section of Epping forest District Council (EFDC) provide Abbess, Beauchamp & Berners Roding Parish Council with details of all relevant Planning Applications received, thereby giving parishioners an opportunity to express an opinion  on proposed developments.  When reviewing Planning Applications the Parish Council take into account any written comment received from parishioners, and give regard to the impact of the proposal on:

·         the unique character of the villages and their environs

·         local conservation considerations

·         EFDC’s current Development Plan policies

Generally, the Parish Council’s view as a principal consultee will take the form of a brief statement to EFDC that:

·         there is no objection to the application, or:

·         there are concerns that should be addressed before the application is approved, or:

·         the proposal is unacceptable, together with the policy reasons for adopting this view

It must remembered that EFDC are the ultimate arbiter in planning matters, and Abbess, Beauchamp & Berners Roding Parish Council are merely responsible for considering policies and summarising local opinion. 

There have been occasions in the past when the views of the Parish Council have been overridden by EFDC.

Full details of planning applications may be viewed on the EFDC inactive planning web site iPlan.

To view  iPlan interactive planning click on the following link  

 http://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/Council_Services/planning/iPlan.asp

Commenting on Planning Applications

If a parishioner wishes to comment on a proposed development they are advised to:

·         write to EFDC, Civic Offices, High Street, Epping, Essex  CM16 4BZ quoting the relevant Planning Application number, and

·         copy the letter to The Clerk at  Abbess, Beauchamp & Berners Roding Parish Council, Holly House, Cock Green, Felsted, Essex, CM6 3NA

·         those who feel deeply aggrieved by a particular proposal may make a verbal presentation to the Parish Council either by contacting the Parish Clerk or their local Councillor

Parishioners should remember that the planning process necessarily conforms to a strictly defined schedule, and it is essential that they comply with the deadlines that this imposes.