Planning Permission
The need to apply for planning permission is governed by legislation laid down by Central Government and prospective applicants are advised to consult the published guide relating to the type of development to be carried out.
Permitted Development
Planning permission is not required for a "permitted development", although a building regulations application may be needed. If in doubt, seek advice from the Planning Services Section.
Types of Application
Planning Application forms are available from:
Planning and Public Protection
Torfaen County Borough Council
County Hall
Cwmbran
Torfaen
NP44 2WN
Five copies of all applications should be submitted accompanied by two certificates of ownership.
PDF versions of the application forms are available from the forms section of this site.
Planning Charges
The appropriate fee must also accompany the application before it can be determined. A list of categories which are exempt from fees is available from the planning office.
The Planning Register
Details of each application, and of the Local Planning Authority's decision, are entered in the planning register and may be viewed by the public during office hours. From October 2000, the weekly list of applications will be available for viewing on line.
Consultations
When a planning application has been registered, consultations are carried out with statutory bodies and internal departments. Applications affecting the character or appearance of a conservation area and certain major and contentious applications must be advertised in the local press and on site. Occupiers of adjoining land are invited to make representations before an application is determined. The Development Standing Sub Committee meets every four weeks and deals with all major and contentious applications.
Time Limits
All planning applications are determined within eight weeks of receipt of a valid application unless the applicant agrees to an extension of time. Development must normally be carried out within the issue of consent.
Planning Appeals
Any appeals may be made to the Secretary of State for Wales under Sections 78 and 79 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. An appeal may be lodged up to six months from the date of the decision notice or from the expiry of the eight week determination period.
Enforcement
Where development has been carried out without the necessary permission first being obtained, the Council is empowered to take enforcement action in order to remedy any breach of planning control.
Planning Aid
The Planning Aid Service provides an independent source of information and advice on planning matters.
If you have a query relating to planning you may contact your local Citizen's Advice Bureau or write to the South Wales Planning Aid Service, The Maltings, East Tindall Street, Cardiff.