Planning application process
When a planning application is received it will be checked for completeness before being accepted. If further information is required before the application can be considered, it will usually be requested at this stage.
Once the application is complete the agent will receive an acknowledgement that it’s been accepted together with details of which officer will be dealing with it and a contact telephone number. An anticipated timescale for dealing with the application will be given.
Consultation letters are sent to those persons that may be affected by the proposal. 21 days is the usual period for making comments on an application. Letters received are acknowledged and objectors are informed of the outcome of planning applications
An officer visits the application site in order to assess the application and may ask for amendments to make the proposal acceptable.
Area team managers under their delegated powers decide most applications. Other applications are decided by one of the Area Planning Sub-Committees or by the Planning and Environment Committee. These committees meet on a monthly basis and comprise elected councillors. For applications which are decided at committee level, if an objector indicates that they wish to speak at the committee meeting, applicants or their agents are given the opportunity to respond.
Following a decision being reached, a decision notice is sent to the agent, setting out any conditions attached to an approval or reasons for refusal. The applicant has a right of appeal against a refusal of permission or against conditions imposed. Objectors are also notified of the decision.
Information about appeal procedures is available from the Planning Portal.
Appeal forms are available from the Planning Inspectorate, the office dealing with appeals nationally.
