How to make a planning application

To find out if a development is generally acceptable you can apply for planning permission in principle.

You can apply for this for most things. However, for a change of use, for development in conservation areas or for works affecting listed buildings you should apply for full planning permission.

Detailed plans are not usually submitted at this stage. We may though ask for more information to help make a decision on your application.

What happens when we give you planning permission in principle

Conditions are added - we will include conditions that set out guidelines for the final development of the site. They normally cover things such as siting, design, access and landscaping. There is no limit on the number of conditions in any one application.

Another type of application will be needed - the conditions need to be the subject of a formal planning application(s). They are called 'applications for approval of matters specified in conditions'.

You will have to make this type of application before whichever is the latest of the following:

• expiry of three years from when permission in principle was granted
• expiry of six months from date when an earlier application for approval of these matters was refused, and
• expiry of six months from date on which an appeal against the refusal of these matters was dismissed

We will do neighbour notification and advertising where neighbour notification cannot be carried out for these applications. However, applicants still have to notify the owners of the site.

As with all planning applications, it's best to discuss any proposals with our Planning and Building Standards office before submitting your application.