Offering free, independent planning advice and assistance for individuals and community groups
What is Planning Aid England (PAE)?
Planning Aid England (PAE) provide free, independent and professional advice on town and country planning issues to community groups and individuals who cannot afford to pay a planning consultant. PAE also work with community groups in disadvantaged areas, to help them understand the planning process and influence changes in their local area through, for example, involvement in development plans and their own neighbourhood plans.
Planning Aid England is not part of central or local government, but is an independent source of advice and information which complements the assistance given by Local Authorities. It is organised on an area basis and is part of the Royal Town Planning Institute, a Registered Charity.
Planning Advice Service
A telephone advice line, staffed by professional planners, is available for people needing planning advice - see advice line details below. Initial advice will be given to everyone but people who can afford to pay or who will benefit financially, e.g. from their planning application, will be referred on to a planning consultant. A list of Planning Consultants can be supplied by PAE on request or you can get this information from the Royal Town Planning Institute website. Advice on common planning enquiries is also available on the Planning Aid website – see below.
For general enquiries about planning law, procedures and regulations the advice line staff may be able to give an immediate answer or basic information. However, more complex enquiries will be passed on to one of the qualified Planning Aid England volunteers who will contact the client to provide advice and support by phone, letter or in person depending on their enquiry.
The Advice Service can give independent information and support on a range of planning issues, including:
- Understanding & using the planning system;
- Commenting on planning applications;
- Applying for planning permission or appealing against refusal of permission;
- Appearing at Public Inquiries.
Although the service is free-of-charge to people who cannot afford to pay for a Planning Consultant, Planning Aid England may ask for payment towards some costs such as purchasing maps or documents.
Neighbourhood Planning
Planning Aid England is not just an advice service. They also provide an exciting programme of neighbourhood planning and training activities. This programme is aimed at helping groups and communities in disadvantaged areas, to understand the planning system and influence what happens in their local area.
Key elements of the programme include:
- Information events and presentations.
- Advice and assistance on contributing to local development plans.
- Helping communities to develop their own strategies, including neighbourhood plans.
- Training on the planning system and development plans
For Neighbourhood Planning in Bradford, please contact your local PAE Community Outreach Coordinator:
