Planning Gateway One - How we assess planning applications

Following assessment of the planning application the advice to the LPA is reported in two parts:

Part 1, Substantive Response

Part 1 will include the headline response and reasoning. This is the section that the LPA should use for the purpose of decision-making and will include any concerns that are relevant to land use planning.

Article 23 in the DMPO states that a statutory consultee must state whether it has no comment to make about the application, whether it is content with the application or whether it has advice for the LPA in relation to the application. Based on this, HSE uses the following headline responses:

• Content – HSE is satisfied with the fire safety design of the development proposed in the application, to the extent it affects land use planning matters.
• Concern – the fire safety design of the development proposed in the application presents risks that affect land use planning matters and the application is likely to require design changes that are material to the decision.
• Suggest Refusal – the fire safety design of the development is inadequate in land use planning terms and/or an impasse has been reached because the applicant is unable or unwilling to resolve the concern(s).
• No comment – HSE considers that the application does not affect fire safety matters in relation to land use planning considerations.
• Refer to standing advice – the LPA should refer to existing HSE advice and guidance; a reference and hyperlink to the relevant advice will be provided.
• More information required – more information is needed by HSE to be able to carry out an assessment of the planning application.

Part 2, Supplementary Information

This section provides additional advice to LPAs and applicants about matters that are not material to the decision and /or are not relevant to land use planning. For example, fire safety matters that have been identified but which are unlikely to have land use planning implications, and which should be picked up at the building regulations stage.

In some instances, it will make sense for applicants to deal proactively with the issues raised. Alternatively, applicants may decide to wait until the detailed design stage to resolve issues with the input of a building inspector.

 LPAs should not use supplementary information as the basis for making planning decisions.