Applying for planning permission: step-by-step guide for residents’

Step 1 - Check if you need planning permission

If you want to build an extension to your property or do other work to your home you may need to apply for planning permission. Some minor alterations and extensions, particularly to houses, can often be carried out without the need for planning permission. This is known as permitted development.

You can find a list of common building projects including case studies and mini-guides on the Planning Portal common projects webpage.

If you are unsure or would like advice, visit our pre-application advice webpage. Or call our duty planner- for details of their availability visit the duty planner webpage.

Step 2 - Find the right application form

There are different types of planning application that require different forms. The Planning Portal asks questions to guide you to the correct form. You can either complete your application online, or print out the form and send us your application in the post.

Online applications

We strongly recommend that you make your planning application online via the Planning Portal website. Registration is easy and you can complete your planning application form, upload supporting documents and pay fees online by credit or debit card.

Paper applications

PDF forms can be downloaded from our planning application forms webpage.

Step 3 - Check what you need to submit

Before submitting your planning application, you need to check what additional information you need to provide. Read through our top tips when putting in a planning application webpage.

Our Local Validation List webpage explains the local requirements.

Check for any constraints, details on our planning constraints webpage.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

CIL is a non-negotiable levy on new development so you may wish to assess - or seek advice on - the amount of CIL which your development may be liable to pay before proceeding with a planning application or proceeding with the purchase of land or property. You may also wish to seek advice on whether any relief is available. For more information, please visit the CIL webpage.

Step 4 - talk to your neighbours

We will tell your neighbours about any application you make, therefore it is wise and courteous to tell them what you plan to do now. It may be that you can overcome any objections they may have by making minor adjustments to your proposal.

Step 5 - Submit your application and pay fees

You can submit your application for planning permission, along with any supporting information on the Planning Portal website, applications webpage. Then pay your fees on the Planning Portal website.

If you would prefer to apply by paper application, PDF forms can be downloaded from our planning application forms webpage. Please post the application to us and pay online via our Pay it webpage.

What do I need to submit?

With any formal planning consent there are a number of plans/drawings which are required to be submitted. Our Local Validation List webpage explains the local requirements.

Additional information may be required, please read the advice from other authorities and agencies webpage.

Step 6 - what happens next?

How long does it take?

Once an application has been registered, applications normally take a maximum of 8 weeks to be determined, with the exception of

• major applications which take a maximum 13 weeks
• Householder Prior Notification (Larger Home Extensions) 42 days

The time limit for determining an application may be extended with agreement from the agent/applicant and the Case Officer will advise accordingly in these situations.

Why has my application been made invalid?

Please remember that an invalid application will cause delay and rework.

For an application to be registered as a ‘valid application’, we need to receive a certain amount of information, which would normally include:

• an application form
• scaled plans (existing and proposed)
• the correct fee 
• any other required supporting documentation

Most invalid applications have incorrect or missing drawings. Here are some sample drawings with tips to help you.

• example of site location, layout and block plan(PDF)
• example of existing floor plans and elevations(PDF)
• example of proposed floor plans and elevations(PDF)

When an application is initially received, an Officer will look at the information submitted and if any information is missing then an invalid letter will be sent to the agent (if one has been appointed) or the applicant explaining what is required.

Until the required information is submitted, the application will remain "Invalid" and therefore no further action will be taken. Once all the information is received, the application will be registered from the date of receipt of the required information (if received at a weekend this will be the first working day after receipt).

An invalid letter is not a refusal of the application - it is a letter advising that not all the information required to make the application valid has been received.

Step 7 - Decision Notice

A Decision Notice will be sent to the agent or applicant with the outcome of your application.

You may also track your application via our planning application search.

Further information

Before you apply: For further information visit our before you apply webpages.

After you apply: for further guidance visit our after you apply webpages.