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Apply and pay for planning permission

The quickest way to apply for planning permission is online via the planning portal. Applying via the planning portal is simple and can help you save on printing and postal costs.

Delays of up to two weeks will be avoided as your application will reach us immediately.  You can apply by post however it may take up to two weeks longer to process these applications than online applications.

Paying for applications

It is easier and quicker to apply and pay through the planning portal, however online payments can be made here.

The current fee charges for planning and related applications can be downloaded from the planning portal website or by using their online calculator.

Validation requirements

The easiest way to apply for planning permission is online through the planning portal website. Please note, this is an external website if you need any help completing your application, please ring the support desk on 0333 323 4589.

Depending on the type of application you are submitting, you may need to submit some extra information with your application. This is known as the validation criteria. If you do not submit all of the necessary information your application will be invalid and will not be considered until all of the information has been received.

We deal with a high number of invalid applications which uses a significant amount of time and resources which affects the timescales for processing applications, resulting in delays for the customer and puts pressure on existing staff.  Before submitting your application, it is useful for you to read through the relevant validation checklist to make sure you have all the information needed.

The application process

Receipt & validation

Once we have received your application, we will make sure we have all the details and fee we need. You can view what is needed to validate an application by using our validation checklists.

If anything is missing, we will let the applicant, or their agent know.  We are unable to start considering the application until all the necessary information has been received.

When all the information has been received the application will be made valid, we will send the applicant or their agent an acknowledgement letter or email, this will provide a date by which we aim to issue a decision, the name of the planning officer and the application reference number.

Once a householder or a non-major application for planning permission has been validated, the national target in which to make a decision is eight weeks. This is dependent on officers’ workload, consultee/neighbour responses, amendments, and requirements for additional information. Where possible, the council will ask for amendments to address any concerns. In these cases, an extension of time will be required, and it is unlikely that a decision will be made within 8 weeks.

The target time for determination of major applications is 13 weeks or 16 weeks if an environmental impact assessment has been submitted. If necessary, the council will ask for amendments to address any concerns. In these cases, an extension of time will be required, and it is unlikely that a decision will be made within 13 or 16 weeks.

Consideration & recommendation

There may be statutory consultation with technical experts or local representatives, such as the town or parish council and Historic England. Usually, a site notice will be displayed, or the immediate neighbours notified of the application, giving people the opportunity to submit comments on the application.  There is normally 21 days to comment on applications.  The date for making comments will be on the site notice or letter.

Comments can be submitted online via Simple Search , any comments received are published on our website. You can find more information about submitting a comment on a planning application here.

An officer will inspect the site, where appropriate, and assess the application, taking into account:

  • Local Plan policies;
  • National planning policies and guidance
  • Planning history;
  • Any potential detrimental impacts as a result of the development e.g. unacceptable loss of light, privacy or outlook for neighbouring properties;
  • Comments from technical consultees;
  • Comments from neighbours.

The planning officer may require more information or request changes to the application.  They will put forward their recommendation in a report to senior officers who are authorised under delegated powers to make the decision. A small number of applications are decided by the planning committee.

Planning committee

Planning committee is made up of 13 of our councillors. If an application is decided by the planning committee the meeting will be held in public. We will notify the applicant and agent of the scheduled time and location. All interested parties are free to attend and observe how a decision is reached. Interested parties can register to speak at the committee meeting, more information can be found here.

Decision

When a decision has been made, either by the planning officer or the planning committee, the decision notice is sent to the applicant or their agent. This may grant full permission or permission with conditions (such as stating which materials should be used, the replanting of trees, or similar obligations). If conditions are imposed, there is an additional process to provide information to discharge these conditions. In some instances, this must be before the development begins. Information about the condition discharge process can be found on our website.

If the application is refused, there is the option for the applicant to appeal against the decision made.

Feedback

If you are an applicant or agent acting on behalf of an applicant, we would like to hear your feedback about the service you have received.  Please complete this quick questionnaire to help the council provide a quality planning service: