Planning applications

Important notice

Due to recent staff absence, we're currently experiencing delays of approximately 4-5 weeks when validating new planning applications. We're sorry for any inconvenience. Thank you for your patience while we work through the backlog.

If you have already submitted your application we will contact you as soon as we can.

Before submitting a planning application

Getting the right advice early can save you time, money and significantly improve your chances of gaining planning permission. We have a lot of advice and guidance on our Planning Advice page for you to review before you submit a planning application.

How do I apply for planning permission?

Please note we do not accept planning applications through the post or email.

Applications need to be submitted through the Planning Portal website. The Planning Portal will guide you through the application submission and what you will need to submit with your application. The Planning Portal is the UK's central planning website where you can find everything you need to submit a planning application including forms, fees and guidance.

To help you ensure you have everything ready for this please see our Planning Validation Checklist. Having the right information submitted will make the process as smooth and quick as possible.

How long should it take to receive my decision?

We aim to make a decision on your planning application within 8 weeks or 13 weeks for a major application.

Sometimes the Authority may have to extend this period, for example if a lot of people are affected by the proposed development, it is very complicated or needs to be determined by the Development Management Committee. You will be notified of this in advance.

To help you ensure you have everything ready for this please see our Planning Validation Checklist. This is the criteria used to consider your planning application so will need to be used. This will make the process as smooth as possible.

You may find it helpful to see if there have been other applications in your area. Use our search facility to find current or past planning applications and associated documents.

Search for a Planning Application

Do I need to do anything else once I have received my planning approval?

It is really important that you read your decision notice carefully to understand if any further information needs to be submitted to the Planning Authority through your planning conditions.

Sometimes the Authority may ask for further technical details to be submitted to ensure that your development meets the requirements of planning policy. In particular it is important review the conditions carefully as they may state that the information has to be submitted before you start your project.

If you are required to submit further information this will need to be via a discharge of conditions form which can be found on the Planning Portal.

What can I do if my Application is refused?

If your planning application has been refused or has been approved with conditions you aren't happy with, you should always speak to us in the first case.

It may be that an amended application with some changes will be acceptable, in which case you can use the Planning Portal to amend and resubmit your application in most cases for no additional cost.

If, after discussing your case with us, you do not agree with the planning decision you have received you can appeal the decision online via the Planning Inspectorate's Appeals Portal.