Online Planning Services
Before making a planning application
Do I need planning permission?
Proposals that involve development usually require planning permission.
Sometimes you do not need planning permission. Changes that you can make to your house without needing a planning application are called Permitted Development.
These include certain house extensions and garden buildings. A detailed guide to general permitted development rights is available from the Planning Portal (Please note: This is an external website), the government's online planning resource.
The Planning Portal also have an online Householders Guide which give a great deal of useful information. This simple visual guide outlines common household projects and gives advice about both Planning and Building Regulations. The Householders Guide on the Planning Portal (Please note: This is an external website).
When planning your development, you should also think about if you need a Scaffolding and Hoarding Licence and if you will need approval under the Building Control Regulations.
For detailed advice about your particular case the Golden Rule must always be 'Ask first!'. If you contact us we will be happy to advise you about permitted development.
How can I have a successful planning application?
Whether your planning application will be approved or not, depends on whether it is in line with the local policies set out in the Unitary Development Plan. You can also purchase a copy from our Planning Reception Service at Maritime House.
The Unitary Development Plan is in the process of being replaced by the Local Development Framework.
We have a number of other important policy documents that you should consider when preparing you planning application.
From Monday 1 June 2009, the planning service will charge for pre-application advice on certain types of development proposals.
Charging for Pre-Application Advice Guidance 
PDF 216K
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Consultation fees have been introduced in recognition that application fees alone do not cover the costs of providing the service. Pre-application discussions can also speed up the application process and avoid the submission of unacceptable proposals.
Your development and the environment
What impact does your potential development have on the environment? Read Our Sustainability Statement for all Planning Applications ( PDF 411K) to give you an overview of what to consider.
We have also prepared Planning Advice Notes to give you an idea of what developments we want to encourage in the borough.
More advice
General guidance if you are planning a business development.
General guidance if you are planning a residential development.
General background information on who gets involved in land use proposals.
Best practice advice on how to build cities that are sustainable in their use of resources and their quality of life.
A national standard that is used to assess the quality of large housing developments.
Planning Advice can be found on the Development Control and Building Control homepages.
More advice on making a planning application can be found on the Planning Portal (Please note: This is an external website), where Frequently asked questions (Please note: This is an external website) are also answered.
How can I expect to be dealt with
How a planning application is dealt with|
What you can expect from us in dealing with your application.
What targets we have in dealing with your application.
How to make an online application
The procedure of making an application explained and how to submit a form in paper or online.
