Planning applications

Please refer to our Planning Advice and Guidance section prior to submitting an application to confirm if planning permission is required and if so, to view further details relating to the policy considerations that will be relevant to your application.

When submitting an application please ensure you have read the Local Validation List and that you have downloaded the relevant Checklist for submission with your application (available in Related Downloads).

Online Submissions

We encourage you to submit your planning application online using the Planning Portal, which enables anyone, with access to the web, to submit a planning application electronically to us free of any additional charge. It is the fast and efficient option compared to printing and posting and will help to reduce your carbon footprint. All you need is electronic copies of your drawings and supporting documents.

Main benefits of online submission:

1. Free of any additional charge.
2. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3. No printing or postage required.
4. To register and submit applications is simple.
5. Applications can be managed and tracked online.
6. Reduces your carbon footprint.

Hard Copy Applications

Alternatively you can download the forms and email us or return to us by post or submit by hand.

A planning application comprises:

• Standard 1APP form and accompanying checklist
• The appropriate fee
• Plans/drawings and other supporting documents as specified in the Local Validation List.

Note: All plans must include a drawing number and title, be of a suitable quality for reproduction and include a metric scale (including print size e.g. 1:50 at A3). Plans and supporting documents are open to inspection by the public and therefore any confidential documents should be clearly marked (including a reason for the sensitivity).

Please note a minimum of one original and one copy of the application (including all supporting documents) is required, however, in the case of major/complex applications additional copies may be required along with a CD version.

Discharging Planning Conditions

When applying to discharge planning conditions (i.e. seeking approval of details and confirmation of compliance) there is a fee payable per request. This must be paid when the request is made, and cannot be received retrospectively regardless of when the permission was granted. Any requests to discharge planning conditions that are received without the appropriate fee will be returned unanswered. The request identifying the permission and the conditions concerned can be made in any written form (letter or e-mail) which is clear and legible although our preference is for the relevant application form to be completed.

The Government requires authorities to deal with all requests within 8 weeks and fees are refundable if no response is sent within 12 weeks from the date of receipt. There is no 'free go' if the Council decides that the information submitted is not sufficient for a discharge of condition. For larger developments where ongoing discussions and correspondence are necessary the Council will take a view as to whether a new fee is applicable dependent upon the amount of additional information required/submitted. It is therefore advisable to contact the planning officer dealing with the application to discuss the approval before submitting the formal application to avoid paying multiple fees.