Telford & Wrekin Council (T&WC) has made changes to the planning applications consultation process.
Due to social distancing measures aimed at reducing the spread of coronavirus, consultations with neighbours are to be temporarily paused. The publication of site and press notices will also be paused.
T&WC will still consult as required on the applications it receives, and will make a decision after 14 April 2020 to determine how best to do it.
In the meantime, measures to enable the public’s right to comment are being looked at.
Jovo Radusin, Planning and Building Control Systems Specialist at apT Group, wrote to the Parish Council in more detail:
We are having to make changes to the way in which we undertake some of our planning application consultations in light of the government’s recent decision around social distancing.
We are still proceeding to register planning applications but we are pausing consultations with neighbours and where required site notices and press notices. When we are able to do so we will pick these up again through the most effective way to ensure we give the public the opportunity to comment. We will not be determining any applications that are affected this way.
We are undertaking internal consultations together with any statutory consultees including the parish/town council, however, the expiry date for responses will not be binding. It will give the opportunity for those who can comment to do so although we understand this might not be possible for all.
This temporary procedure is in place for 3 weeks and will be under regular review.
Thank you.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch with us.