Many applicants prefer to submit their application by electronic means rather than by the traditional paper-based method, as it is often more convenient. You can even submit part of your application by electronic means and the remainder by other means if you wish.
How to Apply Online
An online application facilty is prodided by via the Planning Portal. Instructions are included. It can be accessed here:
Planning Portal Online Application Facilty
Shortly after your application has been submitted, we are notified and subsequently receive your submission.
Advantages of Submitting Online
Some of the specific benefits are summarised here as follows:
| Item |
Paper-based Application |
Electronic Application |
| Forms |
With a paper-based application, you are required to fill in 4 copies. |
Using an online form, it is only necessary to enter the information once. |
| Plans & Drawings |
You will need to print out 4 copies of each plan. |
There is no need to print out anything. Just send us the files (as PDFs, JPGs or TIFs). |
| Sending |
Your completed application needs to be delivered to us, either by mail or by hand. |
You only need to click "send". We receive notification of your application shortly afterwards. |
| Site Plan |
You need to submit 4 copies of an A4 Ordnance Survey map and mark the site boundary on each copy. |
The Planning Portal provides a service where you can purchase an appropriate OS map online and draw the boundary onscreen. It then becomes automatically attached to your application. |
Points to Note
- Online application submission is not necessarily a "fast track" service. All applications are treated equally and processed in accordance with the same set of rules, regardless of how they were initially received.
- There are several methods (online and otherwise) that each component of an application can be submitted. You can "mix and match" if you wish.
- Your application will not progress beyond the "validation" stage (see the application process) until all of the different components have been received and checked.
- The Planning Portal's online application system is nationwide and can be used to submit an application to any planning authority in the country.
- Any problems with the online submission process should be reported to the Planning Portal.