Planning information

Do you need planning permission?

You will need permission for most changes or new builds. However, you can carry out certain developments without planning permission.

You can apply for a certificate of lawfulness which provides formal confirmation of whether you need permission for householder development. You should enquire separately regarding building regulations. The Planning Portal (opens new window) offers useful information.

We deal with commercial enquiries differently - please call 01493 846242 for details.

Make a planning application

See our list of planning application forms.

You should read the information on the Planning Portal website (opens new window) before submitting an application.

Application cost

See the Planning Portal's list of application fees (opens new window) for details. 

Administration fees

Administration charges for invalid applications not made valid:

• all non-major applications with no planning officer input - £56.00
• major applications and/or applications where officer input had been required - £112.00

After you submit an application

We check all the forms are filled out correctly and consult any relevant parties. A planning officer will then visit the site.

The development officer, or the Planning and Development Control Committee (opens new window), will then decide the application. Anyone can attend committee meetings, although only a small number of applications are referred to the committee. 

If your planning application is refused, you can appeal it online (opens new window).

Other frequently asked questions

How do I view or comment on a planning application?

You can find further information on how to view, comment or appeal via the search planning applications section.

Where can I get Ordnance Survey maps?

Ordnance Survey publishes a list of licensed partners and outlets who supply large-scale maps suitable for planning applications.

Where can I find information on the Council's planning policies and development sites?

You can view the Council's currently adopted planning policies and emerging planning policies from the Local plans and policies web page.

How do I find out whether a development is within a conservation area?

The Borough has a number of existing buildings and conservation areas which are of significant local interest or importance. Special controls exist over development in conservation areas, including in relation to demolition of buildings, property extensions, garden buildings and works to trees.

You can view a list of designated conservation areas. Alternately, if you have any concerns or questions around whether any planned work is in a conservation area you can contact the Council's Planning Department at [email protected].

What should I do if I see someone breaching planning regulations?

If you think someone is carrying out work without the required permission, or not keeping to the conditions of their planning agreement, you can fill out our planning enforcement complaint form.

When it is clear that regulations have been breached, we will contact the person responsible and look to resolve the situation. See our Planning enforcement policy for more information.

How is my submitted data used by the Council?

Please read:

• this privacy notice detailing how submitted information is handled
• the Council's Data protection policy