How a Decision is Made on an Application

Processing of applications

Each planning application goes through the following process

• Application forms are checked to make sure they are completed and all the information has been supplied
• The appropriate local occupiers and groups, council departments and government bodies are notified. Notices are displayed on site or in the local press
• The planning case officer visits the site, occasionally requesting the proposal to be amended.
• An assessment is made of the proposal using the guidance of the Southwark Plan, comments received from consultees, government advice and other planning factors

Decision making process for planning applications

Planning permission will either be granted or refused. In making the decision an assessment is made of all the relevant material and planning considerations relating to the application. A report is then written by the planning case officer containing relevant planning history and planning policy, any comments received, the main areas of consideration and the recommendation to either grant or refuse planning permission.

The report is checked by managers before being presented to councillors at a meeting of either the planning committee or a community council, or to an officer with delegated authority. A decision is then made to grant or refuse planning permission.

Most planning applications are presented for decision within eight weeks of being received. More complex proposals or those that have to go to planning committee or community council for a decision, take longer. 

More complex applications, or those attracting significant public interest, are usually determined by  councillors at meetings of the planning committee or community councils. These meetings are open to the general public. The applicant and a representative of objectors and supporters are allowed to address the meetings. Councillors will discuss then vote to grant or refuse planning permission.

Contact

Planning enquiries
Tel: 020 7525 5403
Fax: 020 7525 5432
planning.enquiries@southwark.gov.uk
Development Control
Southwark Council
Chiltern
Portland Street
London
SE17 2ES 
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday