The development management team deals with all the planning applications in the borough. We are a proactive service focused on delivering the right outcomes for those who live, work and do business in the borough by ensuring that all new development makes a positive contribution to Barking and Dagenham.
From 1 October 2012 the Council is committed to dealing with all major planning applications within 26 weeks. This is the Council’s Planning Guarantee promise.
When we determine each planning application our starting point are the policies and guidance in the council's
Local Plan but we also take into account government guidance, the individual merits of each scheme and any comments received. The Local Development Framework includes guidance on what
residential extensions and alterations are acceptable.
We are committed to ensuring that people respect the law and therefore we work closely with the planning enforcement team to ensure that breaches of planning control are investigated and action taken if necessary.
We also deal with the management of matters relating to trees covered by tree preservation orders and trees in conservation areas.