Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

If you want planning advice from WC act NOW.

The following is from a WC press release,

'From Monday the 4th of April, the Development Service will be introducing charges for some forms of planning advice. The charges will relate to the need for planning permission and advice to applicants and agents on specific planning proposals. (The Government has passed legislation allowing authorities to charge and an increasing number of authorities are now doing so).

The charges are in line with other neighbouring authorities and the new arrangements will help the Council to sustain and improve the service provided, and ensure that the cost of providing advice to individuals does not fall as a general cost to the council taxpayer.

Charges are also being introduced to cover monitoring fees for some Section 106 Agreements and periodic inspection of minerals and waste sites.

Please click on this link for further information about the new charges and the system.

There are a number of exemptions from the new charges which include : -

• Advice to parish, city, town councils and Area Boards relating to development they will commission/undertake.

• Advice relating to development specifically for the benefit/use of disabled persons.

• Applications required following the removal of permitted development rights by planning condition or Article 4 Direction.

• Advice on playing fields/recreational facilities for their own use sought by a non-profit making club, society or other organisations, whose objectives are to provide facilities for sport and recreation.

• Advice relating to protected trees (covered by a Tree Preservation Order or within a Conservation Area) and high hedges.

• Advice to third parties affected by development proposals.'