How applications are considered

Register application

If the details submitted with the application are complete it will be registered and an acknowledgement letter sent to you or your agent. If it is incomplete, further information will be requested. You can find out what is required for an application to be registered from our local validation list page.

Processing the application

Once your application has been registered we aim to consider your application as efficiently as possible. We monitor performance on this quarterly.

We will consult with other interested organisations and publicise your application in accordance with our publicity code. This may involve a site notice or letters to neighbours (or sometimes both), plus publication on this website. In some cases the application is also published in the local newspaper.

Site visit

We will visit the site to assess the impact of your proposal on your property, neighbouring properties and the surrounding area.

Negotiate amendments if necessary

We may require some limited amendments. We will contact you if they are required.  There may some circumstances where amendments can not be achieved.

Report prepared with recommendation

The case officer will prepare a report and recommendation.

For most applications, the report and recommendation is considered by a senior planning officer. In certain cases the planning committee will consider the report and recommendations.

Decision

The decision is made by the senior planning officer or the planning committee, as appropriate. A decision notice will be issued to you or your agent. Permission will either be granted, granted with conditions, or refused. If it is refused or there are conditions attached which you do not agree with, you can appeal to the Secretary of State.

Conditions

If your application is granted with conditions, these may require further details to be submitted and agreed by the Council before you start work.

The planning process