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Make a planning application: step by step

How to apply for planning permission, including what does and does not need planning permission, our pre-application planning service, how to apply, decisions and appeals.

This step by step will take you through the planning permission process. It includes how to submit a planning application and applying for permission for larger construction projects and new developments.

  1. Check if you need planning permission

    Before you submit a planning application, always start by checking whether you need planning permission for your work.

  2. Check if the work is covered by permitted development

    Before you submit a planning application, please check to see if the work is covered under permitted development rights.

  3. Check planning policies and guidance

    Planning policies and guidance may affect your planning application, so you are advised to check them before you apply.

  4. Check planning constraints

    There are certain constraints you need to check that may affect your application, including conservation areas, listed buildings, flood zones, archaeological and historical sites and Tree Preservation Orders.

  5. Get pre-application planning advice

    Before you make a planning application, you may want to request pre-application advice from the planning department. 

  6. Developer contributions

    As a developer applying for planning permission, you may be required to make a developer contribution towards paying for new services and infrastructure.

  7. Submit a planning application

    How to submit a planning application, including required evidence and documents.

  8. How and when planning decisions are made

    What happens after you submit your planning application, including how and when we make decisions and how long it may take to process your application.

  9. Planning appeals and reviews

    Planning appeals and reviews and how to request that your application is reviewed or appealed.

  10. Change an existing planning application

    If you want to make a minor change to the proposals that were originally approved, you can submit a non-material variation request.

  11. Apply for approval (discharge) of planning conditions

    Planning conditions are often applied when planning permission is approved. You can apply to have these conditions discharged (approved) so that your development can begin.

  12. Planning enforcement and breaches

    How we enforce breaches of planning and how to report a planning breach.