Planning application process

A typical application will follow this process.

Applications are validated

We check that everything was submitted that should have been, including fees.  If there are problems we'll contact you, you do not need to contact us.

Neighbour notification and consultation period

The public, internal and external consultees are notified for a period of 21 days. During this time comments can be submitted.

Assessment of the application

Don't contact us for updates to your application during this assessment period. We'll contact you if we need more information or if we need to arrange a site visit.  Site visits are undertaken by officers of the Council. We typically do not visit neighbouring properties.  You can monitor the progress of your application by checking the search planning application facility. 

Neighbour, councillor and parish comments will be displayed. External and internal consultee comments are displayed once the application has been determined. 

Officer report is written

The officer managing your application will recommend your application for approval or refusal.

Officer's report is reviewed by Senior Officers 

The decision is either made at this stage, or the application is referred to the Planning Committee for a decision. 

Your application may be referred to a Planning committee in accordance with the council constitution - we'll let you know if the application is to be decided by planning committee.  

Decision is issued

The time limit for making a decision depends on the type of planning application submitted:

• Householder, minor and other applications - 8 weeks
• Major development  - 13 weeks
• An application subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment - 16 weeks
• Non-material amendment - 28 days
• Applications to approve details reserved by condition - 8 weeks
• Certificates of lawfulness for proposed or existing development - 8 weeks 

Time periods may be longer if agreed in writing. The planning officer will contact you if a new timescale needs to be agreed.  You can also check the current status of applications online.