Planning Advice and Queries

The best place to start for planning permission is the planning portal. This is an independent website which explains everything that you will need to know about planning permission. The Planning Portal includes:

A list of common home improvement projects, which can help you to check whether you are completing a project that needs permission.
Information on the planning process, and how it works.
Information on how to apply for planning permission.
Your responsibilities when submitting a planning application.

2. Do you need planning permission?

Certain types of minor changes and some minor developments are covered under permitted development (redirect this to the permitted development page). The planning portal contains a useful guide which contains information on projects that require or do not require planning permission.
Please Note: The planning portal’s interactive guide is an informative guide only. If you would like to check whether what you are proposing requires permission from us, please submit an application for a lawful development certificate.
To obtain the pre-application advice on a potential Lawful Development Certificate submission, you can utilise our Pre-Application Advice Service.

3. How much does it cost?

Through the planning portal it is possible to calculate the cost of your planning fee. The government sets these fees, and you can pay for them through the planning portal.

4. Who else will be involved?

We will write to neighbours and invite them to comment on the application, and in some cases a notice will be displayed advising the public of a submitted planning application. Depending on the application we may ask for comments from external organisations, such as the Environment Agency or the local parish council.

5. How do I comment on a planning application?

You can comment on a planning application through the Online Planning Register.
For further guidance on what can or cannot be commented on during a planning application see the Material Planning Considerations.
You will need to include your full name and address in order for your comment to be registered. If you don’t, your comments will be considered anonymous and your views cannot be taken into account. Only comments relating to 'material planning considerations' can be taken into account.
For further guidance see our search, track and comment on current applications page.

6. What permission requirements do I need to install services and utilities in my property?