Making a planning application

The simplest way to submit a planning application is online via the Planning Portal.

Registration is easy and you can complete your application form, upload supporting documents and pay fees online.

A planning application cannot be progressed until all the necessary supporting information and the appropriate fee is received.

Get started on the Planning Portal.

You can pay for your planning application online - you will need your planning application reference number.

Find out whether your proposed development needs to pay the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Timescales for planning applications

The timescales to determine planning applications will vary depending on the scale, complexity and issues that may be individual to the site and development proposal. We have statutory consultation requirements which will affect timescales, particularly if new information is submitted and accepted during the process. Applications have a default 8 week, 13 week or 16 week time period for determination depending on the scale of the development. However, more time is often required in the interests of finding solutions to problems or to make sure the local planning authority has all the necessary information to make a decision. Where required, our officers will request for an extended timeframe (known as an extension of time agreement) to assess and determine the application.

Typically, at present, approximately 50% of valid householder planning applications are determined within 8 weeks of submission.

Missing information from the initial submission will cause delays, which can be significant. Please make sure that our validation checklist is reviewed before submitting a planning application.

Speed up the process of determination and to assist our officers by:

• submitting photographs with the application in accordance with the information for providing photographs to support your application
• ensuring submitted applications include all necessary information for them to be assessed effectively by officers and consultees
• not submitting any updates or revisions to the application until you have agreed this with the officer as this creates confusion for the public and consultees

After submission:

• We will contact you or your nominated planning agent to confirm whether the application is valid or whether further information is required. There is currently a queue of applications to validate so it may take at least 2 weeks before confirmation is received.
• When the application is confirmed as valid, monitor this website for comments and consultation responses and await contact from the case officer before asking the Service for an update on your application.

You will normally be given an opportunity to resolve any minor problems with applications during the process. Significant changes may require a new application submission and the requisite fee.

Contact Development Management - Planning