Planning Applications:
The Environmental Health and Safer Places Team plays a crucial role in the planning process, focusing on potential pollution issues associated with proposed developments. This proactive approach aims to identify and address problems before they occur, recognising that prevention is more cost-effective than remediation.
Key considerations in planning applications include:
- Internal Layout: Ensuring that the internal design of developments minimizes the risk of pollution.
- Sound Insulation: Recommending measures such as acoustic glazing and ventilation schemes to control noise levels.
- Noise Assessments: Conducting assessments to evaluate the potential impact of noise from the development.
- Permitted Noise Levels: Establishing permissible noise levels to protect the well-being of residents and the public.
- Contaminated Land Requirements: Addressing requirements related to contaminated land to prevent environmental hazards.
- Air Quality: Considering the impact of the development on air quality.
The Licensing Act 2003 governs licensed premises and is guided by four objectives, including the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.
Responsibilities of Nottingham City Council as a Responsible Authority:
- Prevention of Public Nuisance: The Environmental Health and Safer Places Team, as a Responsible Authority, evaluates licence applications with a focus on preventing public nuisance, particularly regarding the impact of noise on the community.
- Consultation on Licensing Applications: The team is consulted on business and street trading licences within the Nottingham City Council district, considering the Licensing Act's objectives.
- Recommendations and Conditions: Recommendations and conditions may be suggested to the Licensing Authority to mitigate potential public nuisance.
- Breach of Conditions: Breaching licence conditions is an offense, potentially leading to legal action by the Licensing Authority or the Director of Public Prosecutions.
- Licence Review: Non-compliance with the Act's objectives can result in a review of the licence, initiated by a Responsible Authority or an interested party.
- Licensing Panel Action: The City Council's Licensing Panel may take actions such as modifying conditions, excluding activities, removing a designated premises supervisor, suspending, or revoking a licence.
The Environmental Health and Safer Places Team's involvement in planning and licensing processes is integral to ensuring that developments adhere to environmental standards, minimise pollution risks, and promote the well-being of the community.