3 Development Control Policies
3.1 Development Control: General Principles
Determination of planning applications
3.1.1 Section 38 (6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 states that all planning applications must be determined in accordance with the development plan unless ‘material considerations’ indicate otherwise. Material considerations may be all sorts of factors relating to the location of the proposal, specifics of the application, or its surroundings. The personal circumstances of the applicant, however, are rarely considered to be material to the determination of applications.
3.1.2 Applicants for planning permission should be prepared to demonstrate how the provisions of all relevant development plan policies have been taken into account. The Council will publish a range of informal advice notes and supplementary planning guidancei to provide further detailed advice. Additionally, many types of application will need to include a Design and Access Statement.ii These statements usually comprise a short written report with appropriate illustrative material which explain and justify the design approach adopted and how accessibility issues have been addressed. Additional supporting material may be required for major or more complex schemes.
3.1.3 The appearance of all types of development, its accessibility, the degree to which it incorporates sustainable construction, makes efficient use of resources, prevents crime, protects and enhances biodiversity, and ensures that those who live nearby are not adversely affected, are all critical components of securing high quality development. Good design which addresses all of these issues will be more readily accepted by local communities and should be the aim of all of those involved in development. All buildings should be designed for the purpose for which they are intended and applicants should be prepared to justify the design and specification of the proposed development.
3.1.4 North Norfolk has a distinctive architectural heritage and attractive rural landscapes and the Council wishes to ensure that development proposals conserve and enhance these features wherever possible. This does not mean that only traditional buildings will be supported. The Council recognises the positive impact that modern innovative design can have when sited in the right location, particularly where it incorporates sustainable, energy efficient construction, and builds on local distinctiveness.
- Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD's) contain detailed guidance on various planning matters and expand on the policies in the Development Plan. Whilst SPD's do not have the same status as adopted Development Plan policies, they are a material consideration in determining planning applications.
- Design and Access Statements are documents that explain the design thinking behind a planning application. For example, they should show that the applicant applying for permission has thought carefully about how everyone, including disabled people, older people and very young children, will be able to use the places they want to build.