Apply for planning permission FAQs
Click a question to reveal the answer.
Q: When do I need planning permission for something?
Q: Why do I need to apply for planning permission and building control consent separately?
Q: What are permitted development rights?
Q: What scale should I use for my plans/drawings?
Q: What sort of electronic formats do you accept?
Q: Can I submit electronic files of any size?
Q: Can I submit my application to you using the Planning Portal website?
Q: How can I avoid unnecessary delays in processing my application?
Q: After I submit my application, how long before I can expect to hear from you?
Q: How can I find out how my application is progressing?
Q: Will a planner contact me to discuss the proposal?
Q: Will someone need to visit the site?
Q: What are the key dates in progressing my application?
Q: Who do you consult about my application?
Q: Will I be able to amend the planning application?
Q: Who is responsible for making a decision on my application?
Q: How is a planning application determined?
Q: When can I expect to get a decision on my planning application?
Q: How does the planning applications committee work?
Some applications are considered by the planning applications committee. If you application is being considered you will be given notice of the date of the committee meeting and sent a copy of the report and recommendation when the agenda is published.
You can attend the meeting and listen to the discussion. You can also make representations to the chairman and other members of the committee beforehand. You can also ask your ward councillors if he is willing to put your point of view to the committee, even if he is not serving on the committee itself.
Committee agendas and minutes are also published online. Agendas are published one week before the date of a committee meeting. A list of the committee's decisions on planning applications is usually available 3 days after the meeting, with the full minutes available 3 weeks after the date of the meeting.
Neither applicants nor objectors are allowed to speak at the meetings.
Q: Should I lobby Councillors?
Q: What happens if the application looks likely to be refused?
Q: If I am not happy with the decision what can I do?
Q: What policies do planners use to assess applications?
Q: I need to submit a 'Design and access statement', what is it?
Q: Can I discuss my application with you before I submit it?
