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Applying for planning permission - frequently asked questions

How do I apply for planning permission?

To apply for planning permission, use the forms and follow the instructions on our planning applications page.

In certain circumstances you can make an 'outline application' – for example if you want to see what the council thinks of the proposed development. This can be carried out before you go the expense of having the final plans drawn up. You can contact Planning Services directly for more information on this.

Once you have completed the forms send them with the relevant fee to the Development Control section. Each form must be accompanied with the plans of the site and a copy of the relevant drawings showing the proposed work.

What happens to my application?

The council notifies various statutory consultess that an application has been received. These include the Water/Highway Authorities, Parish or Town councils, as well as neighbours considered most affected by the proposal.

A Site Notice is erected close to the proposal site. Any constraints on the site already in place are checked – for example Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Floodplain, Protected Trees, and so on.

The application is assessed to by the council's planners – professionally qualified staff who are normally Members of the Royal Town Planning Institute. They will visit the site.

Once the planners have received all comments and regulatory information, they will either:

recommend that the proposal is acceptable, or
put together a report for one of the area committees to decide on the application – what are area committees?

How is a decision made?

Every planning application is evaluated on its own merits. However, certain factors that will be taken into account by the planning officer include:

compliance with adopted planning policies (in the Local Plan)
the number, size, layout, siting and external appearance of buildings
the proposed means of access, landscaping and impact on the neighbourhood
the availability of infrastructure, such as roads and water supply
the proposed use of the development

When the decision is made, a letter of approval or refusal will be sent to the applicant or agent. This decision is valid for three years from the date of the decision notification. If the work is not completed by this date, then a new application must be made to extend this period.

Can I appeal against a decision?

Yes. A decision can be referred to the Secretary of State for the Environment, through a Planning Appeal. An Appeal will be dealt with by the Planning Inspectorate, who considers the case on behalf of the Secretary of State.

There are three options for appealing: