Neath Port Talbot

You are here > Home > Planning Services

Planning Services

Introduction

The core aim of the Planning Service is to maintain and enhance the environment of the County Borough. This is achieved through controls over new development, regulating where new development is allowed, setting out through the Development Plan policies that underpin those controls, and undertaking/facilitating a variety of environmental works, and protecting and facilitating the maintenance of Public Rights of Way. The Planning Service also plays a pivotal role in wider environmental/community initiatives, co-ordinating the Local Agenda 21 and Environmental Stewardship initiatives.

---

Development Control

Control of all new development through the determination of planning applications. The section encourages pre-application discussions and will offer informal advice regarding design and land use matters. Planning application forms can be down-loaded or alternatively applications can be submitted via the Planning Portal. Application fees can also be paid on-line.

---

Building Regulations

Control of building development to ensure that health and safety standards are achieved in construction and means of escape and to ensure that minimum standards are achieved in energy efficiency and access for the disabled. The service is in competition with the private sector and with the exception of work designed to provide access or facilities for the disabled, is fee earning. It must be self financing over 3 year periods.

In addition, the service is responsible for dealing with Dangerous Structures under the Building Act and functions under the Safety at Sports Grounds Act.

---

Appeals and Enforcement

To represent the County Borough Council in all planning and enforcement public Inquiries, and to co-ordinate the preparation of evidence to Hearings and for Written Representation Appeals. To investigate all complaints of breaches of planning control and take enforcement action where appropriate and to monitor development sites, including minerals sites, subject to available resources.

---

Development Policy

Production of a Unitary Development Plan setting out the County Borough Council's land use policies for the next 15 years both in terms of strategy and in land use allocations together with supplementary planning guidance and participation in the preparation of regional planning guidance.

The UDP will be replaced by the Local Development Plan and information on its preparation is on this website.

---

Environmental Quality

Lead section for NPT co-ordinating Local Agenda 21 and Environmental Stewardship, both directly through the production of plans and strategy and indirectly through ensuring that other sections of the Authority fulfil their obligations. Lead section for Directorate for accreditation under EMAS.

In addition, the section, with assistance from Countryside, is responsible for the preparation of a Bio Diversity Action Plan for the County Borough, and facilitating and co-ordinating community ownership of the Plan and its implementation.

See also: Environmental Policy

---

Countryside

The provision of the Public Rights of Way service to protect the network from obstructions etc, consider amendments, modifications, closures and new registrations to the network, and to maintain and improve the network. The section also provides a woodland management and countryside access service through Coed Cymru giving guidance and advice on the maintenance and conservation of woodland, creation of new woodland, and the development of markets for local indigenous sustainable timber.

---