Making a Planning Application

MAKING A PLANNING APPLICATION

This Section provides guidance on the procedure for making a planning application.

See the Getting Started Checklist which highlights the steps required in deciding whether you need to apply and how the application will be handled.

For specific types of Application go to the CHECKLISTS for further information.

The Government introduced a mandatory STANDARD APPLICATION FORM and associated information requirements for VALIDATION OF APPLICATIONS from 6 April 2008.

1. MAKING AN ONLINE APPLICATION

The Government has been pressing for greater speed and efficiency in the planning process and one means of delivering this is the move toward Online planning applications. Most Authorities now provide a link from the planning pages of their website to the Planning Portal. This is a quick and easy way to way to make applications, but if you prefer the traditional method see 2 below.

The online system is quite straightforward but can be a little daunting to begin with so the Portal has a walkthrough help guide which you can browse before you begin.

Launch the Planning Portal Application Help Guide Here >

Local Authorities can also specify the range of information required to accompany the application to make it valid. If the requested information is not provided (or is considered insufficient) the authority can decline to register the application until that information has been fully provided.

See validation of applications for further information.

2. MAKING AN APPLICATION ON THE STANDARD FORM

As part of the drive to provide a quicker, more predictable and efficient planning service, the Government has introduced a new standard electronic application form for applications for planning permission made under the Town and Country Planning system and Listed Building and Conservation Area consent regime for England. From April 2008, the National Standard Planning Application Form will become the only official method of submitting a planning application for most types of planning consent (except for Minerals consent and Building Control applications) for all Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) in England. The forms will be available from each local authority website.

They are also introducing specific guidance for the validation of planning applications. This allows authorities to require a range of information to accompany the application which, if it is not provided (or is considered insufficient) allows them to decline to register the application until that information has been fully provided.

See validation of applications for further information.

The Standard Application Form covers the following types of application:

• Householder consents;

• Outline and full planning permission and approval of reserved matters;

• Listed Building consent;

• Conservation Area consent;

• Advertisement consent;

• Consent under Tree Preservation Orders;

• Certificates of Lawful Development;

• Applications for Prior Notification/Approval under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (the GPDO); and

• Removal or variation of conditions.

3. MAKING AN APPLICATION ON PAPER FORMS

Despite the rapid move toward Online planning applications, there are still some authorities which rely upon the traditional paper based forms for the time being. These can often be downloaded from the Council’s website.