Planning Service update

General operational information

Our Planning Service is operating in the face of unprecedented challenges resulting from a significant increase in planning application submissions and a shortage of resource. We are continuing to react and bring forward different ways of working and resources as quickly as possible. However, workloads across the service remain exceptionally high which is affecting response times from Officers which are much longer than normal.

Planning applications

All applications are now being allocated to case officers in line with normal procedure shortly after registration. However there remains a significant backlog of undetermined planning applications which we continue to work through.

Most applications are taking 3-6 months to determine, longer for more complex matters.

We understand this is not ideal for our customers and are working hard to reduce the waiting times but would thank you in advance for your patience.

We will be asking applicants / agents for extensions of time on applications where necessary
Please monitor the website for comments and consultation responses and await contact from the case officer before asking the Service for an update on your application

Note: in order to speed up the process of determination and to assist our Officers:

Please ensure submitted applications include all necessary information for them to be assessed effectively by Officers and consultees
Do not submit any updates / revisions to the application until you have agreed this with the Officer as this creates confusion for the public and consultees
You will be given an opportunity to resolve any minor problems with applications

View a planning application

Commenting on a planning application.

If you are unable to arrange for someone to submit your comments electronically contact our Customer Service team on 0300 123 5014. There may be a delay with comments being published to the website but they will still be received and considered by the planning officer.

Pre-applications services

Unfortunately to manage the high application numbers and focus on those already submitted we are currently not accepting pre-application enquiries for smaller schemes. Major pre-application requests will however continue, but please anticipate a longer timeframe than our standard service level agreements.

Submissions and payments should be made electronically where possible, postal receipting is limited. Where possible this will be completed by exchange of electronic information, with any discussion and meetings taking place via Microsoft Teams.

Permitted Development Enquiries

Please do not submit any new Permitted Development Enquiries at this time.

Planning application records and other discretionary services

Historical information associated with a planning application can be requested, these will be made available electronically where possible.

For a History search please email CEplanning@cheshireeast.gov.uk. Quoting the address and providing a Location plan with the search area outlined in red. We will forward to you a detailed scale of charges to allow you to confirm how far back you wish the staff to carry out any investigations on your behalf. Once payment has been received the staff will begin to review our historic records and duly provide you with a detailed report for you to review.

Requests for copies of any subsequent documents identified on the report (e.g. Decisions etc) can then be purchased in accordance with our published fees and charges.

Please submit any requests via email to ceplanning@cheshireeast.gov.uk where your request will be dealt with.

Planning committees and other meetings

Monitor the Council Meetings pages for more up to date information.

Planning Enforcement

Planning enforcement continues albeit with increased numbers of complaints and high caseloads. There is new legislation to allow certain temporary changes of use to takeaways. We will inform you of our intended course of action when making an initial assessment of your complaint. Response times will again be longer than normal.

Page last reviewed: 20 January 2023