How do I apply for planning permission?
If you would like to submit your application electronically, you can apply via the Planning Portal at www.planningportal.gov.uk. The Planning Portal website provides detailed information about preparing and then submitting your application.
If you are not able to submit your planning application electronically, you may download the appropriate application form from our website. Here, you will also find guidance notes and a validation checklist for each type of application.
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How much will it cost?
There is a fee, set by central government, for different types of application. For Householder Applications this is normally £150 and for other applications £335. However, there is a range of fees depending on the type of application and size of development. You can use the Fee Calculator on the Planning Poral to find the appropriate fee.
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Can I talk to someone about my proposals before I submit my application?
Yes. We offer a drop-in service (15 minute slots) with a Duty Planning Officer on Monday afternoons between 1pm and 4pm and on Wednesday monrings between 9am and 12.30pm in our Customer Services Centre.
A Duty Planning Officer can also provide informal advice over the telephone on 01727 819344 or 01727 819345 on Wednesday afternoons between 1pm and 5.15pm.
You may also arrange a pre-application meeting with a planning officer. All meetings with planning officers are by pre-arranged appointment only (see our Development Management Section). The Council operates a charging scheme for all informal and pre-application discussions.
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How long will it take to have my application determined?
The Council tries to deal with most applications within an 8 week period, although applications for large and/or complex schemes can take longer.
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Who will decide my application?
Minor and uncontroversial applications are determined by officers under powers delegated to them by the council's constitution. Major schemes and proposals that raise widespread public concern are decided at Planning Committee Meetings. You can contact the Planning Case Officer to find out how your application will be decided. There are three Area Committees North, South and Central, which meet approximately every three weeks.
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What happens if my application is to be considered by a Planning Committee?
The Calendar of Committee Meetings is available from the website or by telephoning Corporate Services on 01727 866100 Ext 2529. To find out if an application is going to Committee, you can view the Committee agendas on the website for your area of the District - Central, South or North, or you can contact the Planning Case Officer.
The Committee Meetings are held in public so that you can attend to hear the discussion. You can also register to speak if you wish to. One person can speak for and one person can speak against each planning application that goes to a Planning Committee meeting. You can register to speak between 10am and 2.30pm on the day of the meeting by telephoning the Council’s Technical Support team on 01727 819347. Each speaker will have up to 3 minutes to address the Committee. Only persons who have registered to speak at the meeting will normally be allowed to address the Committee.
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What can I do if planning permission is refused?
You can appeal to the First Secretary of State and a Planning Inspector from the Planning Inspectorate will look at the proposals again. Information on how to make an appeal is provided with the Decision Letter, which you will receive from the Council. You can also make an appeal online via the Planning Portal, which also provides guidance on how to do this.
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Who should I contact to find out about progress?
For information about progress, please see our Search Planning Applications page on our website. If you need contact your Case Officer about another aspect of your application, please call between 2pm and 4pm.
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Will I get my money back if planning permission is refused?
No. The fee is charged to cover the administrative cost of processing your application. If planning permission is refused, it is possible to re-submit a revised application without an additional fee in certain circumstances. Please contact the Planning Department for further information.
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