Welcome To Wirral

For major development proposals we can provide a co-ordinated development control service for customers by offering a "One Stop Shop" service for developers whose proposed developments are considered as major. Major developments would normally be residential developments of 50 or more dwellings and employment, commercial or retail development of at least 10,000 square metres and smaller ‘major developments’ (i.e. applications smaller than the definition above but no smaller than 10 houses or 10,000 square metres of floorspace) in which more than one council department has an interest. By contacting a single planning officer of the Council, who will act as co-ordinator, we will bring together a "Development Team" of professionals from all key partners in the development process, to help streamline the determination of major development proposals and to achieve a speedy, comprehensive outcome. This will include not only the Council's in house services but also external agencies.

Who Is Involved?

The type and scale of development proposed will, to a certain extent, determine the make-up of the team but in addition to a lead Planning Officer the team is likely to include officers from, Conservation, Architects, Building Control, Highway Engineers, Drainage and Environmental Health. In addition external agencies may form part of the team i.e. Environment Agency, English Heritage etc.

How Will It Work?

The Development Team will be run alongside our current consultation procedures but by bringing together and involving the main parties from the pre-application stage, the most important issues will be highlighted early and any time consuming problems resolved quickly. In particular, the approach is aimed at guiding developers through the development process, not only with planning permissions but also with any other consent that may be required from other agencies. Additionally, advice can be given in relation to sourcing potential grant funding, training provision and workforce availability.

What If My Proposals Are Confidential?

You may wish to discuss confidential proposals with us. The Development Team approach respects such confidentiality and we will not release any details either internally or externally unless it is necessary to do so in order to assist you and then only with your agreement.

How Do I Benefit From The Development Team Approach?

The approach will ensure that you receive:-

• A clear picture of the Council's policies on planned development;
• A unified and consistent approach;
• Assistance in resolving potential problems or conflicts;
• A co-ordinated and integrated service from the Council and other agencies that will be *time-efficient and cost-effective.

Development Team Procedure:

• Initial contact to establish basic outline of proposal.
• Appointment of Co-ordinating Officer and briefing on proposal.
• Co-ordinating Officer will contact the developer to discuss proposal (within 5 working days).
• Submission of preliminary details (if applicable).
• Initial assessment of proposal by Co-ordinating Officer and contact of relevant Consultees as required.
• Arrangement of meeting with developer/Consultees, if required, or assessment of proposal/liaison with Consultees (within 15 working days).
• Written response to developer (within 20 working days).

Who Do I Contact?

If your proposal is a major development (as defined above) and you wish to access the Council's Development Team approach service, then please speak to our Development Control Manager, Matthew Davies. A Co-ordinating Officer will be appointed and they will contact you within five working days of your initial contact, to discuss your proposal and identify the main issues.

Contact Details:

Matthew Davies, Development Control Manager
Tel: 0151 606 2020
e-mail: planningapplications@wirral.gov.uk