As there are several methods of submitting an application and, as there are several separate component parts to an application, it is possible to submit your application in two or more parts by different methods. This is perfectly acceptable. However, you will need to ensure that you provide sufficient accompanying information with each set of items that you submit, so that we are able to match together the separate components when we receive them.
The various options for each component of an application are described below, along with some basic information to help you decide which methods to choose. Please note that not all applications necessarily require the inclusion of all of these items (see what to include with your application).
Forms
- If you wish to fill in the online electronic version of the application form online, please use the Planning Portal's online application facility.
- If you prefer to fill in a paper form, you can either obtain copies from our office or download them from our website and print them out yourself. You will need to fill in several copies (normally 4).
- The forms are also downloadable from the Planning Portal site. The questions on the forms are identical for all Local Planning Authorities in England. We therefore accept equivalent forms originating from other authorities.
Site Location Plan
- Paper copies of maps can be obtained from an any authorised map supplier. See Obtaining Maps.
- Ordnance Survey maps are available to buy online too. See Obtaining Maps.
- The Planning Portal's online form incorporates a facility to purchase an OS map, draw the site boundary onscreen, and it is automatically included as part of your application.
Please note that Ordnance Survey based maps are subject to copyright. Illegal copies of maps should not be used with a planning application.
Plans & Drawings, Reports, Photos and Other Documentation
- If supplying paper copies, several copies of each item will be required, depending on the type of application. These can be sent by mail or delivered by hand.
- Files in electronic format can be uploaded via the Planning Portal's online application system.
- In some circumstances, we allow files to be emailed to us. If you need to supply them this way, please check with us first before sending.
- Files can also be supplied to us on disk, e.g. CD-ROM.
Payment of Fees
- Regrettably, a facility to pay online is currently unavailable.
- You can pay by credit card either over the telephone or in person at our Customer Service Centre.
- If you wish to pay by cheque, please include it with your application form (or post it separately if necessary).
- If you prefer to pay using cash, you will need to visit our Customer Service Centre.
For more details, please see Payment of Planning Fees.
Points to Note
- If supplying plans and other documents in electronic formats, please ensure that each file is appropriately named. It should not be necessary to open a file to determine what it represents.
- Your application will not progress beyond the "validation" stage (see The Application Process) until all of the different components have been received and checked.