The rules governing planning permission are complex and therefore the parish council cannot provide definitive advice to individuals and would therefore recommend householders seek professional assistance or guidance from the Somerset Council Development Control Department.

One important consideration is whether the property falls within the Conservation Area within Halse, since this affects not only building works but also whether permission is required to undertake either pruning or the removal of trees at a property. Contact the Heritage and Landscape team at Somerset Council for advice on this topic.

Any queries passed to the parish council concerning works at properties when no planning permission has been sought, are submitted direct to Somerset Council Planning Enforcement Department to investigate and rule as appropriate.

The parish council holds on-site meetings to consider all planning applications in the village (with the exception of those in respect of Listed Building consent for internal alterations). Meeting are held on Saturday mornings, usually at 9.00am, with advance notice being displayed on the notice board.The meeting are open to the general public to attend and make representations as they see fit. The council's comments are subsequently passed to the Development Control Department at Somerset Council who ultimately make a decision as to whether or not to approve the application.