THE WEALD OF KENT PROTECTION SOCIETY

Planning Guidance
Preface
The support for, comments on as well as opposition to planning issues and applications affecting the Weald has been at the very heart of the Society’s work since WKPS came into being in 1960. It is on this work that the Society’s reputation for reliability, consistency and knowledge is based.

WKPS considers thousands of planning applications submitted to the borough councils of Ashford, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells every year. While many are well thought out and ably assembled, it is also all too clear that a large number are submitted in ignorance of the circumstances and considerations that so often determine an application’s fate.

Given the complexity of planning law and its ever-changing character, this is perhaps not surprising.

What follows is a very short introduction to the subject as it affects WKPS and those living in the Weald, the area of Kent over which WKPS maintains watch. It begins with an outline of WKPS policy and objectives, moving on to the most common/frequent issues that arise and WKPS attitudes towards them. There then follows a short guide to key web sites that will help you with making a planning application, responding to a planning application that may affect you and other matters of interest.
 
Please click on the link below to download the document of interest:
  WKPS Policy and Objectives
  Frequent Planning Issues
  Guide to Key Web Sites

Disclaimer
It must be emphasized that this is an informal introduction to the subject only. WKPS does not provide specific guidance on individual applications. This introduction is no substitute for, nor does it purport to take the place of, the professional, detailed advice and information you will require in the event that you decide to proceed with building works

 The three local authorities covering the Weald produce plenty of detailed advice and guidance on their respective web sites, which may provide all the answers to your specific questions. These sites will also reflect changes in planning laws as they come into effect. We very strongly advise you to review the information they provide before submitting a planning application. Links to these sites appear below.

 However, consultation with the relevant local authority planning department and subsequently the engagement of professional services may very well be necessary if you are still not clear on what is required before you submit a planning application or are considering a complex project.