What happens after you submit a planning application

Planning application stages

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

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