Design & Development
Design & Development is the section of Planning Services which processes individual planning applications for development.
The Section is also responsible for trees, listed buildings and Conservation Areas.
The Solihull environment has a lot to be proud of. The Design & Development team will work hard with the other elements of Planning Services, Building Control, Sustainable Development and Landscape & Ecology to protect and maintain areas within the Borough that require protection. Equally there are parts of the Borough that need improvement and where the emphasis will be on physical and economic regeneration. Planning Services will again work hard to support the Regeneration of these areas.
Most building work, engineering work and use of land requires planning permission, and the purpose of Design & Development is to ensure that the development is carried out in accordance with local and national planning guidance. The section will seek to take enforcement action where unauthorised development is likely to harm the character of an area or the amenities of local residents. Many of the issues relating to planning are contained on the Communities and Local Government website. The website also has Planning Policy Guidance Notes which may assist you when making planning applications. These cover a range of subjects such as new housing, retail development, the historic environment to name a but few.
Design & Development is also responsible for the administration and management of matters relating to trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders and trees in Conservation Areas.
This work involves the survey and inspection of trees for inclusion in new Tree Preservation Orders, the consideration of proposals by owners to fell or prune trees covered by Orders, and where necessary, the provision of technical and professional advice to owners and developers on matters related to protected trees.
Where can I get more information on planning permission and applications?
For advice and guidance on the planning application process visit the Planning applications pages. Within these pages you can read advice on making an application, download application forms, calculate your application fee, search for and comment on applications, view planning committee decisions.
Planning Officers are available to offer advice and guidance if you are proposing to submit an application, contact Design & Development on 0121-704-8008 or email planning@solihull.gov.uk or use our Online Query Form.
National Information on Planning can be found at the Planning Portal - hosted by the Planning Inspectorate. A commercial site you may find useful for planning advice is Online Planning Offices. The Communities and Local Government website provides a guide to the Planning System in England. Planning Aid provide free, independent and professional advice on planning issues to people and communities who cannot afford to hire a planning consultant
If you are having construction or refurbishment work done, you may need to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and you may have other duties as well - find out more on the HSE website.