The information on this page is presented in the format of frequently asked questions. Please click a question from the index below to see the appropriate answer.

Question index

What is Runnymede Borough Council responsible for regarding planning?
What is Surrey County Council responsible for regarding planning?
What is planning permission?
When do I need planning permission?
How do I make a planning application?
How will I know when my planning application has been decided?
How can I help make sure my planning application is approved?
Who makes the decision on whether planning applications should be approved?
What can I do if my planning application is refused?
How will other people who may be interested get to know about a planning application?
If people want to oppose or support a planning application, how can they make their views known?
Public Speaking at a Planning Committee?
How do I get involved in the Local Development Framework?
How do I buy site plans and block maps?
Planning aid 
Contact us

See also:
Planning Policy
Planning Enforcement
Planning Portal

What is Runnymede Council responsible for regarding planning?
Runnymede Council is the Local Planning Authority (LPA).
The planning committee make decisions on planning policy and major planning applications. Officers in planning services advise the planning committee and are the first point of contact for enquiries. They also take decisions on minor planning applications.

Planning services comprises the policy section and development control section. The policy section covers the Local Plan and the new Local Development Framework; the development control section deal with planning applications and associated advice.

What is Surrey County Council responsible for regarding planning?
Surrey County Council is the responsible for waste and minerals policy and implementation and highway works including vehicle crossovers (dropped kerbs), details can be found via their website www.surreycc.gov.uk.

What is planning permission?
Planning permission, in simple terms, is like asking if you can do a certain piece of building work. It will be granted (possibly subject to certain conditions) or refused.  For more information please visit the planning portal website.

When do I need planning permission?
If you are unsure if you require planning permission or not you can fill in one of the do I need planning permission forms available or view Planning Portal - Development Control at the Planning Portal website.

How do I make a planning application?
You can download the relevant planning application forms or view the Planning Portal - Learn how to apply at the Planning Portal website.

How will I know when my planning application has been decided?
Planning Services will send a Decision Notice to the agent at the address on the application form.

How can I help make sure my planning application is approved?
Contact Planning Services before submitting a planning application, you can submit details for Pre Application Advice. For householder and small residential developments look at the Household Guidance document prior to submitting a planning application.  Please note that from 1 January 2011 charges will be introduced for all relevant pre-application proposals

Who makes the decision on whether planning applications should be approved?
The Local Planning Authority (Runnymede Council) will determine planning applications. You can view the Planning Portal - Decision Making for more information.

What can I do if my planning application is refused?
There is an appeal process and details on how to appeal are included with the Decision Notice. The Planning Portal - Refused Applications has further information.

How will other people who may be interested get to know about a planning application?
Local residents and businesses close to the application site are notified in writing about a planning application and a notice is posted on the site. Details of current applications, plans and details on how to comment on a current application will be available soon.

If people want to oppose or support a planning application, how can they make their views known?
In writing to planning services or via e-mail.  Please note that if you do not receive a confirmation letter or e-mail from us acknowledging your letter or email then we have not received your comments.

Public dpeaking at a Planning Committee?
If you wish to speak at Planning Committee please read this leaflet which explains who can speak at Planning Committee.

How do I get involved in the Local Development Framework?
You can email us on LDF@runnymede.gov.uk or call us on 01932 425278.

How do I buy site plans and block maps?
The planning portal is now offering a service where applicants can buy site plans and block maps (suitable for planning applications) from their website via accredited partners, please click here to go to the planning portal webpage

Planning Aid
'Planning Aid is a voluntary service offering free, independent and professional advice on town planning matters to community groups and individuals who cannot afford to employ a planning consultant.'

Local Government Association's Planning Aid concordat 2004

The Planning Aid service was started by the Town and Country Planning Association in 1973. Although completely independent from local planning authorities (LPAs), the aim of this voluntary service is to complement the work that LPAs are doing. Since it was launched, the service has worked hard to involve communities in the planning process.

The Local Government Association (LGA), the Planning Officers Society (POS) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) have recently published a 'concordat' - an agreement - that demonstrates their joint commitment to developing and extending the Planning Aid service, and which invites local authorities to share that commitment through practical action.
If you are a community group or an individual who is interested in finding out more about Planning Aid, visit the RTPI website.