Making a Planning Application Online

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 (see the pink box below)

How to Apply Online

An online application facility is provided by the Planning Portal.  Instructions are included. 

Planning Portal Online Application Facility [external link]

Shortly after your application has been submitted, we are notified and subsequently receive your submission.

Advantages of Submitting Online

  • You only need to enter the information once, rather than submitting four copies
  • No need to print anything out
  • You can purchase the appropriate OS map which automatically attaches to your application.
  • The Planning Portal's online application system is nationwide and can be used to submit an application to any planning authority in the country.

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.
  • Your application will not progress beyond the "validation" stage (see the application process) until all of the different components have been received and checked.
  • Any problems with the online submission process should be reported to the Planning Portal. 

Mix and match

It is possible to submit your application in two or more parts by different methods. 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 [external link] online application facility.
  • If you prefer to fill in a paper form, you can either obtain copies from our office or download them (see paper forms) 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 [external link].  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 and 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 through 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 CD