Planning and Building Control
Planning is interested in the way our towns, cities and countryside are developed. This includes the appearance of buildings and the use of land.
We aim to protect the natural (Trees) and historic (Listed Buildings) environments.
Building Control look at building works to ensure the sustainable use of fuel and water, the safety and health of people in or about those buildings.
For many works to buildings or trees, separate permissions will be required from us.
Urgent Planning update
Our Planning Service, like many across the country, is dealing with a significant increase in planning application submissions. Due to this increase in planning applications we are experiencing difficultly processing planning applications within the statutory 8 or 13 week target set by government.
We are bringing forward different ways of working and resources as quickly as possible. However, planning officers’ workloads are exceptionally high and this is affecting response times from us, which are much longer than normal. Each officer is balancing determining in-time applications, those within the statutory timescales, alongside those that have gone beyond their statutory target date. They are trying to deal with older cases first.
Note: in order to speed up the process of determination and to assist our Officers:
- Please ensure submitted applications include all necessary information for them to be assessed effectively by Officers and consultees
- Do not submit any updates / revisions to the application until you have agreed this with the Officer as this creates confusion for the public and consultees
- Please submit current photographs of the site and surroundings to help us assess your application.
- If we need further information or have queries on your application, we will contact you
- Please monitor the website for comments and consultation responses on your application using the online planning search facility (https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/view-and-track-planning-applications)
- To allow officers to concentrate on applications, please wait for the case officer to contact you before telephoning or emailing us for an update on your application
We extend our sincerest apologies for any delays and appreciate your patience during this busy period.
Planning and Building Control news
How St Albans District will be impacted by measures to protect the Chilterns Beechwoods
Measures taken to prevent the Chilterns Beechwoods suffering further damage may impact some planning applications in St Albans District.
Changes to planning application process
An important change to the process for planning applications has been agreed by St Albans City and District Council.
Hemel Garden Communities appoints new Programme Director
Hemel Garden Communities has appointed Phillipa Zieba to the role of Programme Director. Phillipa brings with her a wealth of experience, from her previous role as Head
Hertsmere Borough Council’s Local Plan “needs a rethink”
Plans to create a garden village to the south-east of St Albans District would be in breach of the Government’s Green Belt policy, Councillors have warned.
Improvements to planning application process
Improvements to the planning application system in St Albans District have been recommended for the benefit of all those involved.
Plan to improve cycling and walking networks
A plan to create better cycling and walking routes in St Albans District is to be drawn up to encourage active travel.
Neighbourhood plan for St Stephen – give your views
Residents, businesses and community groups are being consulted about a neighbourhood plan for the parish of St Stephen.
Sandridge Neighbourhood Plan – referendum to be held
Residents in Sandridge are to vote in a referendum on a neighbourhood plan that will help shape the area’s future development.
Developers agreed to pay more than £400,000 towards community infrastructure last year
Property developers agreed last year to pay more than £400,000 towards the cost of community facilities in St Albans District.
Local Plan – call for potential development sites in St Albans District to be put forward
Landowners, builders and other interested groups are asked to put forward sites within St Albans District which might be suitable for development.
Draft Local Plan withdrawn
A draft Local Plan (LP) that identified land for development in St Albans District has been withdrawn.
‘Local Plan’ blueprint for development – inspectors censure Council on ‘duty to cooperate’
In latest developments, Planning Inspectors have concluded that St Albans City and District Council’s draft Local Plan has not met the ‘Duty to Cooperate’ with neighbouring authorities, in legal te
Consultation on neighbourhood plan for Sandridge
Residents, businesses and community groups are being consulted about a neighbourhood plan for the parish of Sandridge.
Support for Local Plan to move forward
Neighbouring local authorities and house builders are supporting St Albans City and District Council’s ambition of moving forward with its Local Plan (LP).
Take care of protected trees
Residents in St Albans District are reminded to check the status of trees before they do any work on them during the Covid-19 lockdown.
