How to apply for a planning application
Before submitting your application, discuss your proposal with your neighbours, get advice from us and refer to the council's planning policies and where relevant supplementary guidance.
Before you apply
Check if you need planning permission
Follow the guidance here.
Have a chat
Discuss your proposal with those who could be affected by your project, including occupiers of adjoining property or representatives of the local community.
Take into account their views when preparing your application, including details of these consultations in an accompanying statement.
Discuss your ideas with us first
Use our pre-application advice service. Using this service leads to quicker decisions on applications with more positive outcomes as we'll identify any additional conditions you may need to take into account when preparing your application.
Apply online via the Planning Portal
Most planning applications are submitted online via the Planning Portal
Using the Planning Portal is the preferred way to submit your application to us.
Registration is easy, and once you have an account you can complete your application form, buy site location plans, upload supporting documents and pay fees online.
Benefits of applying online
These include:
- you can work on your applications in draft before submission
- immediate delivery and acknowledgement
- savings on postage and printing costs
- online help function when completing applications
- online record of your completed applications
Alternatively, send us your application via email or post.
Planning Application – Fee Increase
Planning fees have been increased by Government. This change came into force from 6th December 2023.
The changes include:
- Application fees have increased by 25% with major schemes increased by 35%
- The option for a ‘free go’ on application resubmissions has also been removed but applications that were eligible for a free resubmission prior to these changes will retain this provision.
- There will be an annual rise in application fees linked to inflation (capped at 10%) every April from 2025 onwards
- Undetermined non-major applications (including householder developments) will be eligible to receive a refund after 16 weeks (rather than the 26 period which remain in force in all other cases)
Further information can be found on the Planning Portal
Fees
To work out how much you'll need to pay, use the Planning Portal fee calculator. This will calculate the cost based on your application type, and any reductions or exemptions you may be entitled to.
The Planning Portal explains fees in detail here and provides a downloadable guide (PDF, 117KB) to planning fees.