The planning application process

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
• if the application involves a legal agreement; a draft legal agreement will be published online, 5 clear working days before a decision

• decision is made under delegated powers or the application is referred to Planning Committee - there may be conditions attached
• officer reports are published online 
• a decision notice is issued
• if the application involves a legal agreement; it is published online

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.