What types of planning application should I submit?

This advice relates to Planning Applications. Advice on the submission of Building Regulation Applications is now available.

Outline

For a new building, you can make an outline application to find out whether the principle of development is acceptable. You do not need detailed drawings, but provide the Council with as much information as possible and discuss this before you submit the application. Look at our guidance notes and contacts list.

Detailed Approval

Once an Outline Application is granted, you will need detailed approval (reserved matters) before starting work. This application includes details of siting, design, external appearance, means of access and landscaping and needs to be consistent with the outline approval.

Full Planning Permission

Full permission needs the submission of all details and is compulsory for all changes of use and advisable if you want to start quickly.

Meeting a Planning Officer

Use the Planning Service to organise an appointment if you need to meet a planner and be prepared to run through your proposals and show plans. You can:

• ask whether you are likely to get permission;
• ask about problems such as noise and traffic and what conditions the Council would usually impose on your development.

The preparation you need depends on your proposal. Sometimes you only need to look at basic issues. However if your proposal appears contrary to the Unitary Development Plan you will need to justify your proposals. If national policies are an important consideration, you may wish to refer to planning guidance notes issued by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.