What happens after you submit a planning application

Planning application stages

Once you've submitted your planning application, it goes through several stages.

If your application is submitted either online or via email after 5pm, it will be logged as received on the next working day.

Validation/checking

We check applications and, if considered ‘valid’ and likely to be acceptable, they are registered. They are checked:

• to make sure all required documents and fees are there
• for any potential issues which need to be addressed to ensure compliance with policy
• only when an officer is available, so there may be a number of weeks before an application is validated and checked

Registration

We enter your application into the register of applications and you're informed formally:

• that your application is registered
• of your application reference number
• of your case officer
• of the deadline for the application

Consultation

The consultation takes place at least 21 days after registration and:

• details of the application are publicised so local people can comment on the proposed development – in line with our Statement of Community Involvement – the publicity can take the form of:
  • planning lists
  • site notices
  • emails and other electronic notifications
  • adverts in the local press and the website
• consultees are given a minimum of 21 days to comment on an application (although comments may be accepted after this period if a decision has not yet been made)
• consultations will also take place where necessary with the statutory agencies, utility companies and other council departments

Development Management Forum

We hold a Development Management Forum for some large scale or contentious proposals, most often at the pre-application stage, to allow consultees to raise issues of concern about a proposal.

Decision

A decision is made, usually no more than 8 weeks after receipt for householder or minor applications, and 13 weeks for a major application.

The planning service, under delegated powers, issues you a decision notice stating whether the application is approved or refused, and if there are any conditions you must meet.

Planning sub-committee

A councillor, or recognised residents’ association or community group, may request that an application is decided by the planning sub-committee (councillors). Notice of the ‘call-in’ must reach us within the 21 day consultation period. Individual members of the public cannot call-in an application.

The head of development management, alongside the chair of the committee, will decide if the decision should be taken to the committee based on whether the:

• proposal is a significant development which has substantial local interest
• officer recommends approval despite the proposal being contrary to local policies in the Local Plan