Making a planning application - the process
When you submit a planning application, you will be asked to provide several pieces of information and documentation. This will include a completed application form, a location plan, and plans showing the existing and proposed elevations and floor plans, as well as the correct fee.
It is easiest to make your application online.
The price list can be found at the Planning Portal website.
Once your application has been submitted, a member of the technical support team will check that the correct documentation has been provided. If so, the application will be registered as valid, and passed to a planning officer to be considered.
The majority of applications are decided by planning officers who are employed by the council. Once the planning officer has received the application, they will consider it in relation to the following:
- national planning policies – especially the National Planning Policy Framework.
- local planning policies.
- planning considerations specific to the proposed development and the site.
- advice from specialist professionals, including highways and transport staff, and air quality officers.
- consultations with local residents.
About 5% of planning applications are also considered by elected councilors at Planning Committee meetings. Planning Committee meetings are public meetings, which are generally held every month. In these meetings, the larger or more complex developments are discussed, and the elected councilors decide whether to approve or reject the application.
For clarity, and to ensure impartiality and consistency in the way planning is carried out, Members and Officers are guided by a code of conduct set out in the Council's constitution.
More information can be found here: