Applying for planning permission for your business

You or an agent like an architect, a solicitor, or a builder can apply for planning permission or Building Regulation Approval and you do not have to own the land. However, if you are not the owner, or if you have only part-ownership you need to tell the owner, joint owners, leaseholders, or any agricultural tenants.

Before making an application, it is always advisable to tell any neighbours who might be affected by your proposal. The Council also encourages pre-application discussions so go to Planning Service. You will certainly need to contact the Planning Department if there is a complex highways issue or environmental issue.

In more complicated cases, you might even consider consulting other bodies who might have an interest, such as:

• The Environment Agency and utility companies to discuss any potential foul and surface water drainage, water or flooding problems.
• The Health and Safety Executive to discuss the use of any potentially dangerous chemicals.

How long will a decision take?

Usually the Council will make a planning decision within eight weeks or thirteen weeks on large or complex major applications. Discuss this with us and we will agree a timetable. We are committed to dealing with applications with an exacting timetable therefore it is always advisable to discuss an application with us prior to submission because you may not have the ability to make your application comply with our policies within our timescales.

For your Building Regulation application, decisions are normally made within 5 weeks or a maximum of 2 months where an extension of time has been agreed.

Is there a fee?

Yes, but the amount varies according to the development. It is not refundable unless the application is invalid but not if you wish to withdraw before determination. However, if you withdraw an application or the Council has refused a previous application, then you can make a new application free within twelve months if a similar character of development. The fee schedule for planning applications and Building Regulation are available.