You should submit your planning application through the Planning Portal. This will determine the correct form for you to submit and the key documents and information you will need to support your application. Other requirements are set out in our Planning Application Validation Requirements.

Upon receipt of an application, a validation process takes place to ensure all necessary information is provided before being assigned to a planning officer. This process can take a few days. Where found to be invalid or incomplete, the planning agent acting on behalf of the applicant will be informed of the information required. This will be the applicant where no agent is appointed.

If an application remains missing national, mandatory information, we will return it after 20 working days. In other cases, we will usually allow additional time before returning the application. Any service or administration charges are non-refundable.

The application process is explained in the stages of a planning application, with further, extensive guidance on making an application available here.

Different types of application

We receive applications from homeowners who wish to carry out extensions or other works to their property. These applications sometimes seek confirmation that express planning permission is not required from the Council, and that the works are ‘permitted development’, through applying for a lawful development certificate.

We also receive more complex applications for new homes and commercial buildings, as full or outline applications, as well as applications for consent to carry out works to protected trees or those in a conservation area, or works to listed buildings.

Choosing the correct type of application is important, and the Planning Portal application process helps you to identify the correct route. We have more guidance on the types of planning application which can be made.

Fees

When submitting through the Planning Portal you must pay them the fee, including any service charge. We do not receive your application until the fee is paid.

The following administration charges apply to any applications submitted directly to the Council by email or post when it is possible to make the same type of application through the Planning Portal:

For example, a householder application posted to the Council will incur an administration charge of £87.00.

If you are unable to make the application through the Planning Portal, or wish to submit by email or post, you can pay for your planning application here. 

Fees for pre-application enquiries are set out here. These applications do not incur an administration charge.

Ownership certificates

Anyone may apply for permission to develop any plot of land, irrespective of ownership. However, an applicant must first notify the owner(s) of the affected land or buildings, as well as any agricultural tenants. Not following the proper process can result in an invalid application.

For planning purposes, an ‘owner’ is a person having a freehold or leasehold interest with an unexpired term not less than seven years. There can be more than one owner, for example the landlord and any tenants. If an applicant must serve notice on an organisation, this should be addressed to the secretary of the organisation at their registered or principal office.

Choosing the correct certificate is important. There is more advice available in the Planning Practice Guidance.

Site location and other plans

As a minimum, a location plan is required. This must show the application site in relation to the surrounding area. Additional plans and drawings will in most cases be necessary to describe the proposed development, such as floor plans and elevations.

Plans and drawings must be drawn to an identified scale and, although not required, a linear scale bar is also useful. In the case of location plans must show the direction of north, be based on an up-to-date map, and identify roads and/or buildings on adjoining land. 

All land required, either permanently or temporarily, to carry out and use the proposed development should be edged on the location plan with a red line. A blue line should be drawn around any other land close to or adjoining the site which is owned or in the control of the applicant.

Design and access statements

Design and access statements are required for applications for major development, applications within a conservation area for one or more dwellings or a building(s) with a floor space of 100 square metres or more, and applications for listed building consent.

You can get more information about what design and access statements should contain here.