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.
Delays in validating planning applications
We are currently experiencing a peak in applications, which combined with Covid restrictions, has caused our usual validation timescales to slip.
If there are any issues with the application, we will phone or email for speed. Applicants are advised to ensure they have supplied all the correct information when submitting an application to avoid any further delays.
Thank you for your continuing patience and support.
Planning and Building Control news
Draft Local Plan withdrawn
A draft Local Plan (LP) that identified land for development in St Albans District has been withdrawn.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.
Inspectors detail Local Plan concerns
Planning Inspectors have provided detailed feedback to St Albans City and District Council following concerns expressed earlier in the year over its draft Local Plan.
Get involved and have your say on life in South West Hertfordshire
More than 2,500 people have so far given their views on what they like about life in their part of South West Hertfordshire, what matters to them and what could be better.
Design contest for major City Centre development
Three new designs for a major St Albans City Centre development have been put forward – with residents being asked to help select the best proposal.
Have your say on North St Albans Masterplan
St Albans City and District Council is working with the landowners and land promoters of a key site in the north of the city to develop a Masterplan for the delivery of an exceptional new neighbour
Have your say on North West Harpenden Masterplan
St Albans City and District Council is working with the landowners and applicants at this site in North West Harpenden to develop a Masterplan in consultation with the community and local stakehold
Local Plan examination hearing
Residents and businesses will be able to view in real time a broadcast of St Albans City and District Council’s Local Plan examination hearing.
'In principle' decision to purchase commercial retail estate in Harpenden to be scrutinised
An ‘in principle’ decision by St Albans City and District Council’s Cabinet to purchase the freehold of a mixed portfolio of properties in Harpenden is to be scrutinised.
Expert panel to advise on major St Albans District developments
A 20-strong panel of independent architects, town planners and other experts is to be set up to advise on sustainable developments in the St Albans District.
Planning decision upheld
A property extension is in breach of planning permission and will need to be rebuilt, a Planning Inspector has ruled.
Local Plan Examination dates
Dates for the initial examination hearing for St Albans City and District Council’s Local Plan have been announced.
Local Plan to be submitted to Secretary of State
A Local Plan identifying land for future development in St Albans District is to be submitted to the Government for examination.