Here is a simple explanation of some of the specialist terms often used in planning. Please note that they are intended as a day-to-day guide, not a substitute for detailed legal interpretation when necessary.

A person or business appointed by an applicant for planning permission to make the application on their behalf. Where an agent has been appointed the Council will normally send correspondence to them, rather than the applicant. See also "Applicant".

Person or organisation making planning application. They do not have to own the land affected by the application as long as they notify the owner. See also "Agent".

Occasionally the Development Control Committee may feel that it needs a site visit by members to understand the issues. This is arranged with the applicant/agent. The Committee will not decide the application on site, or hold discussions with applicants/agents or objectors.

The Development Plan sets out the Council's policies for the development and use of land. It identifies areas for particular types of development, such as housing. In Wokingham it consists of policies for both the whole of Berkshire, set out in the Berkshire Structure Plan, and for the district, set out in the Local Plan. Both are important and relevant when deciding planning applications.

Development which does not require planning permission from the Council because Government regulations (which may change from time to time) give it "blanket" permission. Many small changes to residential houses may be 'Permitted Development', but strict rules apply.

When it approves a planning application the Council may impose conditions which have to be complied with. For example, these may ask for further details to be approved before building starts, or limit the hours of operation of an activity. They must be relevant to planning, and the Council must give reasons for imposing them. An applicant can appeal against a condition he considers unreasonable. Failure to comply with a condition may give rise to a planning enforcement case.

The process of investigating and, if appropriate, taking action in cases where planning controls have not been complied with.

Informal advice from a planning officer before a formal planning application is made to assist applicants/agents in making good applications which meet the Council's policy objectives. Pre-application advice does not commit the Council to any particular decision on an eventual application.

We regret that due to a combination of circumstances we are no longer able to provide informal written advice on whether your proposal requires planning permission by exchange of letter. The Planning Acts make provision for you to seek a formal determination from the Authority by submission of a Certificate of Lawfulness Application. Should you require such a determination application forms can be obtained by contacting Planning Services as follows;

E-mail: development.control@wokingham.gov.uk
Phone: (0118) 974 6429
Written Request:
Wokingham District Council
Planning Services
P.O.Box 157
Civic Offices
Shute End
Wokingham
Berkshire
RG41 1WR

A legally binding agreement between the applicant and the Council made under Section 106 of the Planning Act. It provides for financial and other contributions, such as play areas, from developers to mitigate the effect of their development on the community. Section 106 agreements are controlled by strict national guidelines and by Council-approved policy. A register of all such agreements is kept and can be seen by the public.