Notes on the Planning Process
Before making an application applicant’s are advised to see guidance via the Council’s pre-application enquiry service (please see below link) this will assist you in ensuring that you have all the necessary information for validation and help you to identify and address any issues likely to arise.
All applications are dealt with by a case officer.
On receipt of an application it will be checked that all necessary information is included. If so the case officer will validate the application and make sure that any other council departments, or outside bodies with an interest in a scheme, have been consulted and given the opportunity to comment on it. This is a legal requirement and a minimum of 21 days is normally allowed for this procedure.
They will also make sure that neighbours are told about the proposal either by letter and/or the display of a site notice and/or press advertisement, and given the opportunity to comment. This is a legal requirement and a minimum of 21 days is normally allowed for this procedure. If anyone is interested in a particular application and have not already been consulted they can log on to our public access portal and view and comment on an application on line. Written representations can be sent to the address below or emailed to developmentcontrol@hartlepool.gov.uk.
Development Control Manager
Level 1
Civic Centre
Hartlepool
TS24 8AY
The case officer will also visit the application site to assess the proposal in its surroundings.
Once the initial procedures have been completed, the case officer will make a detailed assessment of the proposal. If they have concerns and feel these can be overcome by changing the application in some way, or by imposing a condition(s), they may discuss this with the applicant. Conditions could for example limit the hours of operation of a use to prevent late night disturbance to neighbours. If not, they are likely to recommend refusal of the application.
If the case officer is satisfied with the proposal they are likely to recommend approval to it.
