The planning application process

See a step-by-step guide to what happens when you make a planning application.

• You will need to establish whether planning permission is required.
• Complete an online application..
• Check if you are required to be assessed for the Community Infrastructure Levy.
• Ensure that you have referred to our local information requirements list
• Check to establish if the new carbon standards for new residential and non-residential developments will be applicable to your application
• Submit your application with the correct fee and supporting documentation
• We will validate and acknowledge the planning application.
• We will publicise the planning application and consult the necessary parties. Those who have been consulted will be able to comment on the application and are given, in most cases, 24 days to make their representations.
• A site visit is carried out by the case officer.
• The case officer makes a recommendation and this is detailed in the officer’s report. The case officer will consider all comments received.

• A decision is made under delegated powers or the application is referred to Planning Committee. There may be conditions attached.
• A decision notice is issued.

We aim to approve planning applications within eight weeks for minor applications and within 13 weeks for major applications.

You can make a planning appeal if your planning application has been refused planning permission, you did not receive a decision within the time-frame, or your application was approved and you are not happy with the planning conditions.

You can get advice from our Duty Planner or from the pre-application advice service.