Planning Services

Planning Services ensures that new development takes place at the right time, in the right location and in the public interest.

It seeks to provide a balance between economic growth and prosperity, and the need to conserve and enhance the best of the built and natural environment. At the same time, planning policies seek to ensure that in meeting the needs of the present generation they do not compromise those of future generations.

Within Swale, the functions of Planning Services are split between the Planning Policy Section (including Conservation) and the Development Management Section.

Planning Applications

Proposed Wind Turbine Manufacturing Facility - Sheerness<

Details of the Scoping Report prior to submission of the planning application are now available (October 2011).

Planning Applications

Visit the UK Planning website where you can view valid planning applications (submitted since 1st July 2003) and monitor their progress. You may submit any observations on any application via the UK Planning website.

Visit the Planning Portal website, which provides information about the planning system and may be able to provide answers to any queries you have. Note that we now accept the submission of and payment for planning applications online via this portal.

Planning applications will be decided by the Council having regard to the policies in the Development Plan. See the Planning Policy page for further information.

DEMOLITION - This may AFFECT you - All DEMOLITION is now considered 'development' - please see the Latest Planning News below for more detail. You should contact Planning Services or call 01795 417442 to discuss what permission you may need.

Duty Planning Officers

In order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Development Management service and to help us to improve customer service levels in general, a duty planning officer system operates at Swale House.

The duty rota system is intended to provide general information to customers and agents rather than detailed planning advice and officers therefore are encouraged to spend a maximum of 15 minutes with each person. Should customers require more detailed advice then they should submit details in writing or alternatively arrange for an appointment with an officer.

However, please see details regarding pre - application planning advice.

The Duty Officer can:-

• Give advice on procedures and processes
• Answer general questions
• Comment on development potential
• Give general advice on who to contact and how best to seek pre-application advice. If a member of the public requires advice before submitting a planning application then they will need to write in with the relevant information so that a planning officer can research the site/history and provide a properly considered opinion.

The Duty officer is available:

• Available 8.45 to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45 am to 4.30 pm on Friday.
• Contactable either in person at Swale House or by telephoning 01795 417442.

Planning Policy

The Planning Policy team is responsible for looking at the allocation of land for the next 20 - 25 years and creating a context of policies which are used as a basis for deciding planning applications. The team can be contacted by email or on (01795) 417344 or 417023.

View our Consultation Portal -  once registered, you can view all the current planning policy documents currently out for public consultation and make comments online. The system will automatically notify you when new planning consultations occur.

Quick Links

Latest Planning News
Keep up-to-date with the latest planning news. This page includes information about recent changes to legislation, our web pages and the latest services provided by Planning Services.

More Planning Information