Planning: Frequently asked questions
Yes – the same planning policies apply across the National Park. Our Local Plan document sets out National Park-wide planning policies.
We will notify all immediate neighbours by letter, and post a site notice. You then have at least three weeks to comment on the application. Please contact us if you want to discuss the application. As well as looking at the design and choice of materials, we also take into account any neighbour impacts such as overshadowing or overlooking. Proposals will also have to comply with the relevant planning policies.
There are no permitted development rights for flats, so planning permission is needed for alterations.
We are the planning authority for all areas within the National Park boundary which can be found here: Planning WebMap
Yes, our duty line is available from 10:00-11:45 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 01590 646615
The planning regime is a permissive process and is it is at the Authority’s discretion whether or not to take formal enforcement action with each investigation being considered on a case by case basis. The Authority is duty bound to investigate concerns around suspected breaches of planning control, and where a breach is identified we will then make an informed assessment taking a number of factors into consideration, including but not limited to:
- Whether the works are demonstrably harmful in terms of their visual, aural or amenity harm?
- Whether they comply with the Authority’s adopted planning policies?
- Whether it is expedient to take further action?
Our aim is to remedy the breach of planning control, which can either be achieved informally or through formal action in the cases where no positive steps are taken and harm is identified.
The time limits on taking enforcement action are set out on the Government website Enforcement and post-permission matters – GOV.UK
These are an entirely civil matter and the Authority cannot take these into account during the planning process.
Planning permission and building regulations are entirely different matters, with planning permission controlling can be built, such as the use and appearance of land and buildings, and building control controlling how it is built, setting safety and design standards.
For many types of building work, both planning permission and building control would be required. However, in some scenarios you may only require one e.g.: internal alterations to a building which is not a Listed Building may only require building regulations approval.
The New Forest National Park Authority deals with all planning applications within the National Park boundary. Building control is dealt with by your relevant council. Within the National Park boundary these are NFDC, Wiltshire Council or Test Valley Borough Council.
This can vary depending on the unique circumstances of the site. However, the standard documents required within every application are:
– a completed application form
– the correct fee
– a site location plan and block plan
– drawings and elevations showing your proposal.
Further information on what other documents may be required can be found here
If you want to alter or extend a listed building, special considerations may apply due to the building’s historic significance. Works to a listed building or works within its curtilage may require listed building consent.
Consent is required for any works (demolition, alteration, or extension) that affect the character or setting of a listed building. This can include attached or nearby structures covered by the listing. More guidance available here Listed buildings – New Forest National Park
If you live in a conservation area there may be additional restrictions on your property, particularly within permitted development rules and design guidelines.
You can find out if your property is within a conservation area through our interactive map here: Planning map and guidance note.
You can access our statutory register of applications on our Citizen Portal. Alternatively, you can do a geographical search through our interactive map here: Planning map and guidance note.
The standard target timeframe for determining planning applications is eight weeks for minor/household applications, 13 weeks for major applications (or 16 weeks for major applications requiring Environmental Impact Assessments). However, a longer time period may be agreed in some circumstances, for example to allow negotiations to resolve difficulties.
Once a decision has been issued, it cannot be amended. If you are unhappy with the outcome, there are the following options:
– You can submit a new planning application with a revised design.
– You can appeal the decision. Planning permissions have a set timeframe within which they can be taken to appeal. Appeals are submitted to and considered by the planning inspectorate and can take a significant period of time to reach a decision.
Appeal a decision here: Appeal a planning decision – New Forest National Park
There are a number of routes you can take, depending on the level of change to what was originally approved. For advice on which route to take please contact us through Planning@newforestnpa.gov.uk or on our duty line available from 10:00-11:45 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 01590 646615
Some permissions include conditions which need additional details to be submitted and agreed in writing by the Authority (e.g. material samples, detailed drawings, Ecology information). Completing this process is called discharging a condition.
Discharging conditions requires a separate application and fee. These applications have a target decision time of eight weeks.
Submit a discharge of condition application here: Application for approval of details reserved by condition – New Forest National Park
Further guidance: Discharge a condition – New Forest National Park
Within the National Park, you do need planning permission to clad a property with stone, artificial stone, pebble dash, render, timber, plastic or tiles.
If the building is not a dwelling and the finish matches the existing building, permission may not be required. For further advice please contact our duty line available from 10:00-11:45 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 01590 646615. Or email planning@newforestnpa.gov.uk