About the planning process

We consider each planning application on its own merits. In the majority of cases, if an application meets our policies and standards and follows government guidance, planning permission is usually granted.

Once we receive an application, it is assigned to a planning case officer and a consultation can begin.

People involved in the consultation have up to 21 days to share their views and some applications may also be publicised in local newspapers, or on notices around the site. Below is a document which details how we publicise planning applications and notify neighbours.

Read our publicity and neighbour notification

A site visit will be carried out by the case officer who will assess the proposals. If changes are needed, the case officer will discuss these with you (the applicant) or your agent.

The decision

We consider all the information you submit, as well as any comments received from those involved in the consultation period, before reaching a recommendation on whether planning permission should be granted or not. 

Decisions on most applications usually take six to eight weeks.

A decision on the majority of applications is made by planning officers, under a power called ‘delegated authority’. However, some applications are decided by the Planning Committee which meet every four weeks to discuss and decide on applications. These meetings are open to the public to attend or can be watch on our webcasting facility.

Application enquiries

If you have an enquiry about a current planning application for a particular address, your enquiry will be dealt with by the case officer who is dealing with the application. 

You can find the case officer’s name and phone number by searching the our online planning applications database, Public Access, or phoning 01483 755 855.