• Home
• Council
• Online Services
• Living
• Learning
• Working
• Visiting

• Introduction
• Environment
• Life Events
• Sport & Leisure
• Events
• Clubs & Organisations
• One Link
• News

In this Section

A-Z Council Services

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z
• ALL

What does Planning Services do?

Most people will be familiar with the Development Control (Planning Applications) function of Planning Services. Individual planning applications represent a very clear and obvious impact on local communities. It is important however, that the Development Control function is seen in the wider context of Planning Services, which includes:

Planning Policy
Planning Policy is responsible for preparing development plans and the wider strategic context for development on the Island. The Unitary Development Plan was adopted in 2001. Work is currently being undertaken on the Local Development Framework (which will eventually replace the Unitary Development Plan). Linked to this is the preparation of Supplementary Planning Guidance which consolidates policies in the Unitary Development Plan.

The Conservation and Design team is a key component of Planning Policy. Its principal tasks include the designation of Conservation Areas and the preparation of character statements for these areas. The team also give detailed advice to Development Control on matters affecting the historic built environment.

The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Unit (AONB) is a joint initiative with the Countryside Agency to protect, enhance and manage the AONB which covers over half of the Island.

The Archaeology And Historic Environment Service provides detailed advice to a wide range of organisations on the Island on archaeological matters.


Development Control
Development Control is responsible for the processing of Planning Applications and associated applications such as Conservation Area Consent and Listed Building Consent.

Development Control also ensures that developments are implemented in accordance with consents, and that breaches of Planning control are enforced.


Building Control
Building Control administers and enforces the Building Regulations and responds to reports of dangerous structures. It also advises on matters of ground stability.


Countryside Services
Countryside Services is responsible for a range of countryside and wildlife issues on the Island. Key tasks include processing applications to carry out works to protected trees, making new Tree Preservation Orders, the provision of detailed ecological advice and the provision of a Ranger service.


How will my business come into contact with Planning Services?
Current Planning and Building Control legislation is designed to give local companies flexibility to develop to achieve business goals whilst protecting the overall quality of the built and natural environment and ensuring the health and safety of building users, and applications must be submitted for a wide range of developments.

Often confusion arises regarding the difference between Planning Permission and Building Control Approval. In simple terms Planning Permission deals with the principle of the use or building concerned and its design. Building Regulations deal with the constructional details of the building concerned, including structural stability and fire safety. Separate applications must be submitted for each, and it is usual for the Building Regulation application to be submitted following the granting of Planning Permission. For example,

Planning Permission is required for: