Submitting an Application

The Council’s Development Management Team assess and make a decision on applications for planning permission, listed building consent, advertisement consent, prior approvals, and lawful development certificates.

We encourage all applicants to make use of the Pre-App or Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) process prior to submitting an application. Find further information. The Planning Portal includes lots of useful information about the planning process and also explains when permission is needed, including some interactive guides (Planning Portal).

We recommend that you submit all applications using the Planning Portal. List of validation requirements.  You must submit everything that is required, as failure to do so could result in delays to the processing of your application. It is important to note that even small householder applications, such as an extension, require detailed supporting information including details about parking and trees within and near the site.

If your application is valid, we aim to confirm this within five working days. If your application is invalid or a paper submission, this may take longer.

If your submission is invalid we will write to you to tell you why and give you 21 days to provide what is necessary. If you do not respond within that time the application will be returned/considered to be withdrawn.

Once valid, we will write to you telling you the planning reference number and when we hope to make a decision on your application by.

At this stage, we will consult all relevant agencies. We will publicise the application, as set out in our Statement of Community Involvement and the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order.

We will assess all applications based on the information you submit. We may contact you to ask for revised or additional plans or information.

We aim to process applications as quickly and efficiently as possible, using staff resources as appropriate. You will not, therefore, be able to discuss your application with a planning officer once it has been submitted. This is why the use of the pre-application advice service is so important.