Planning Permission

The Planning Portal provides you with information and guidance about the planning process for businesses and professionals who represent them. It is a good place to look before you decide whether you need to put in a planning application.

For informal advice on whether your home improvement project requires planning permission please complete our householder enquiry form.

We currently offer a free pre-application advice service for developments which can be useful when you are considering submitting a planning application. Pre-application enquiries can be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Your enquiry will be assigned to a Case Officer who will endeavour to respond to your enquiry within 4 weeks. However, please note that during extremely busy periods the response times may exceed 4 weeks.

In making your application you will need to submit the following information:

• A location plan *
• A site layout plan *
• Drawings (these will not normally be needed in the case of outline applications)
• Design and Access statements

You should also note that the design of all new development is a material consideration in determining planning applications.

* See how you can Buy a Plan online to support your application.

You or your agent may also require additional information about planning policies that could affect your application. All local authorities are required to produce a Local Plan with the aim of providing a more flexible planning system that adapts to changing priorities and which seeks to secure sustainable development. It is shaped by the National Planning Policy Framework.