Miscellaneous

Do I need planning permission for a crossover?

Generally, permission is required for vehicular access to all classified roads.  These are listed on the Council’s web site:  http://www.castlepoint.gov.uk/Documents/AZContent/castlepoint36_highway.pdf

If you are unsure if the road where you propose to lower the kerb is classified or classed as a main road then you can check with the Essex County Council Highways Team on 0845 603 7623.

Planning permission is not usually required for a means of access to a dwelling to a non-classified road.  If the access is for some other purpose, then permission may be necessary.

Essex County Council must always be contacted to obtain permission for any works you intend to undertake and to provide you with an approved contractor.

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Can I see the plans or planning history of my house?

Yes, you can view them; the council keeps plans submitted after mid June 2004 on our planning portal website.

You can search the planning applications by street name, post code or application number. Alternatively you can research the history of a site back to 1996 by visiting our on-line mapping site.

Older Records are available to inspect at the Council Offices, Planning Department reception, Kiln Road, Thundersley,
Benfleet, Essex, SS7 1TF

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How much permitted development is allowed before a Planning Application is required?

This depends on the type of development; there are restrictions based on the type of house, the size as well as volume of development, and if it is within a Conservation Area.

Planning Portal for additional information

If you want to be certain that your proposal does not require planning permission you can apply for a certificate called a "Lawful Development Certificate" (LDC).

It is not compulsory to have an LDC but there may be times when you need one to confirm that the use, operation or activity named in it, is lawful for planning control purposes. Click  here  to download the certificate of lawfulness proposed application form.

You need to send in an application form, a drawing showing all dimensions and what you are planning to do, as well as a fee, to Planning Department, Council Offices, Kiln Road, Benfleet, Essex SS7 1TF.

Further information on lawful development click here.

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Do I need planning permission to work from home?

This depends on the type of work you intend to undertake from home.
 
You do not necessarily need planning permission to work from home. The key test is whether the overall character of the dwelling will change as a result of the business. If the answer is “yes” to any of the following questions, then planning permission will probably be needed:

• Will your home no longer be used mainly as a private residence?
• Will your business result in a marked rise in traffic or people calling?
• Will your business involve any activities unusual in a residential area?
• Will your business disturb your neighbours at unreasonable hours or create other forms of nuisance such as noise or smells?

There is more information on the Planning Portal Website.

If you want to be certain that your proposal does not require planning permission you can apply for a certificate called a "Lawful Development Certificate" (LDC).

It is not compulsory to have an LDC but there may be times when you need one to confirm that the use, operation or activity named in it, is lawful for planning control purposes.

  Certificate of lawfulness proposed application form

You need to send in an application form, a drawing showing all dimensions and what you are planning to do, as well as a fee, to Planning Department, Council Offices, Kiln Road, Benfleet, Essex SS7 1TF.

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