Whether you need planning permission or not will depend on the type and scale of your project. You can find out what work usually needs planning permission and what is permitted development.
The planning portal also has examples of common projects.
Step by step guide to planning permission
This guide will give you information on the different parts of the planning process and what you need to do.
You should make sure your proposals take into account Local Planning policy, and make sure designs are in keeping with the area.
Our planning officers can offer advice on whether your proposal is likely to be accepted and if any changes are needed.
It is particularly useful if you have a large or complex proposal.
Pre-application advice will be given within 20 working days of sending in the request. If this is not possible we will let you know when you send in your request.
If you choose not to seek our advice before submitting an application, or choose not to take the advice given, your application may be refused without further negotiation.
Your application can be submitted online or by post. Make sure you include all the documents and information we need. If anything is missing it will take longer to process your application.
Once we have all the correct information we validate your application. It takes around eight weeks from the date of receiving all the correct information for a decision to be made. Larger and more complex applications can take 13 weeks.
The Planning Portal has more information on how decisions to grant or refuse planning permission are made. If we need more information to make a decision we will contact you.
Larger or sensitive applications may be decided by the Planning Committee.
Discharging conditions
If conditions have been added to your permission then you may need to apply to 'discharge' some of those conditions. You'll find information about how to do this on our Planning application supporting information page under the heading 'Discharge of condition application'.
This is relevant when a condition states that certain information needs to be approved by the council, often before development starts or before a property is occupied. Examples include conditions requiring us to first approve material samples (such as bricks and tiles) or approve a document dealing with a particular matter.
You can also apply to amend or remove a condition. Conditions are imposed for good reason so it is strongly recommended that you speak to us first before submitting such an application.
Making changes to your application
The process for making changes after a decision has been given depends on the type and scale of changes. If your proposed changes are very minor, you may be able to submit an application for a non-material amendment, subject to our agreement that your proposed revisions are indeed very minor. More significant material changes will need a new planning application.
Appeals
If your application has been refused or if was granted but you disagree some of the conditions imposed upon it, you can appeal against our decision to the Planning Inspectorate. Householder applications have 12 weeks from the date of our decision to appeal. Other applications have six months from the date of our decision to appeal.
Only the applicant can lodge an appeal. Third-parties such as neighbouring residents can not appeal against a planning decision.
Feedback
If you would like to give us some feedback about the service you have received please visit our feedback page.
In addition to planning permission you may also need: