New planning applications in Portsmouth put on hold

Amid the coronavirus outbreak registering new planning applications and planning committee meetings have been postponed while the city council focuses its resources on more 'essential' services.

As a result planning applications that are not currently valid will not proceed however, live applications will still be managed by officers.

On the Portsmouth City Council website it said: 'All existing, live planning applications and queries will continue to be managed by the designated case officers.

'The determination of applications may however be delayed due to restrictions in place limiting the ability to undertake site inspections and meetings and the ability of the council and its statutory consultees to undertake technical assessment or process amendments to proposals.

'All public meetings, including planning committee have now been suspended.

'The council is reviewing its procedures for the determination of applications by planning committee and applicants should discuss their applications with their case officer should they require further information.'

Planning enforcement services have also been stripped back to focus on 'urgent cases' only, including irreparable damage to Preserved Trees or listed buildings is being caused,

For updates on individual applications residents are advised to check the Portsmouth council website. They can also contact the designated case officer by phone or email.

Other council services that are also currently on hold include libraries, household waste and recycling centres and playgrounds.