Advice on How To Make a Planning Application

Anyone can make a planning application. Howeve,r it is not necessary to make the application yourself. If you wish, you can appoint an agent to make it for you. The following current leaflets about engaging agents are available, free of charge.

• Planning Consultants - Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) East of England
• Finding the Right Architect - Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
• Working With An Architect - RIBA

Anyone can make an application, irrespective of who owns the land or buildings concerned. However, if you are not the owner, or if you have only part-ownership, you have to inform the owner or those who share ownership, including any leaseholder whose lease still has seven or more years to run, and any agricultural tenant.

Preliminary enquiry

You may find it helpful to discuss your proposals with a development control officer before applying for planning permission. Whilst we can give you an indication of how your application will be dealt with, it should be understood that we will not be able to tell you for certain whether planning permission will be granted. This can only be decided by the Council when an application is formally considered.

Application types

There are two main types of application that you can make.

Outline planning permission followed by reserved matters

This type of application is made to establish whether or not a scheme is acceptable in principle before any detailed plans are prepared. It is helpful, however, if as much information as possible is provided and the planning case officer can request more detailed plans if necessary to determine the application.

An outline application is generally used for proposals such as new housing, and is not normally suitable for minor works like house extensions or a change of use. Once an outline application has been granted, before any development is started, you must apply for the approval of "Reserved Matters".

This refers to the information required by conditions imposed on the granting of outline permission (usually within 3 years) and relates to the siting, design, access and landscaping of the final development. The plans submitted should show clearly the boundary of the site and the required ownership certificate.

Full planning permission

This type of application should include details of the site layout, building design, materials and landscaping where appropriate. If approved, this type of permission will allow you to carry out your works straight away. It lasts for 3 years (applications received from 24 August 2005). However, if no material operation is carried out before the period has expired, you will need to reapply for permission.

Most minor householder applications, such as those listed below require a full planning application but there is a special simplified application form for household applications (TP1) that is much easier to use.

• extensions
• loft conversion
• garage
• outbuilding
• changes to access onto a road
• a high garden wall or fence

There are separate application forms for planning; listed building; conservation area consent; advertisement consent; and lawful development certificates.

Do I need professional plans drawn?

Although it is not necessary to have professional plans drawn, we would recommend the use of professional help. Your plans must show the intended development clearly and accurately. In most cases existing and proposed levels will be required.  They are required to be to scale and only metric drawings will be accepted.

How much will my application cost?

Various charges apply to making a planning application. Some applications are free of charge such as where a planning application is submitted due to an Article 4 Direction. These fees are set by central government and are available to view in the download area.