Planning application process

In most cases, we will grant planning permission if your application meets our policies and standards and follows government guidance.

An overview of the planning process is below. You may also like to read our advice note called The Planning Application Process.

• The Planning Application Process

  Download this document: The Planning Application Process (PDF: 39 KB)

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What happens when you submit a planning application

Once you submit your application, it is registered and validated and we’ll let you know if we need any more information. The application is then assigned to a planning officer.

Timescales

We deal with applications within the statutory period of eight weeks for minor applications, 13 weeks for major applications and 16 weeks for applications accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Consultation

We consult people who may be affected and other interested parties. People involved in the consultation have 21 days to share their views. Negotiations are carried out if needed and we re-consult if necessary.

Site visit

The planning officer will visit the site to assess the proposals and discuss any issues or changes.

Decision

The planning officer makes a recommendation and a decision is made under delegated powers by the Head of Planning. Comments made during the consultation are also taken into account before a decision is made. The application is considered by the Planning Committee and we’ll send you a decision notice to tell you if your application has been approved or rejected.

The advice note below outlines the council's procedures for dealing with planning applications at Planning Committee.

• Planning Committee Public Participation

  Download this document: Planning Committee Public Participation (PDF: 127 KB)

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Approval

If the application is approved, we consider the need for additional approvals such as building regulations and, where necessary, submit an application to discharge planning conditions.

Rejection

If the application is rejected, you can contact your case officer to discuss possible amendments to your proposal. If you don’t want to make any changes or don’t agree with the decision, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.