Online applications

We encourage you to submit your application online through the Planning Portal website.

The site has all the relevant information to guide you through making an application.

Postal applications

You can download the relevant application form, along with help text and a validation checklist, from the table at the bottom of the page.

If you choose to use these forms, they need to be printed and sent by post or delivered by hand to our Customer Service Centre with the plans and any other supporting documents.

Use the online fee calculator to find out costs applicable to your specific application. Fee payments [PDF] can be made either online, by sending a cheque or alternatively, by credit or debit card (please contact the Customer Service Centre). For details on fee exemptions please refer to the guide to planning application fees [PDF, 67kB].

All applications

Please also refer to the local list [PDF], local supplementary list [PDF] and acceptable file guidance [PDF] - these set out further information that may be requested during the processing of your application.

Every planning application needs a site location plan and block plan showing the location and boundaries of the site you are planning to work on. Please refer to the Planning Portal's 'Buy a Plan' service to ensure that you meet these requirements.

Failure to submit a completed application form, validation checklist and all documents required, will result in your application being held up. Remember, it is best to submit any information that relates to your application at the outset of your submission.

Once the application has been received and registered as valid (all required information present) we will:

• Aim to determine the application within eight or 13 weeks, depending on the application type
• Publish your application form and supporting documents on our website
• We will contact relevant statutory consultees, eg English Heritage, Highways Authority and Environmental Health, asking them for their comments
• We will notify neighbouring properties of your application

Pre-application advice

We welcome and encourage you to discuss your plans with us before you submit a planning application. We provide a range of support and advice and for more information please read our Pre-application advice pages.

Choosing an architect, surveyor or building engineer

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the body set up by parliament as the independent UK regulator of architects. For an individual to use the title architect he or she must be registered with the ARB. There are around 34,000 architects on the register; you can search the ARB online register to find an architect near you.

Surveyors must be members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). RICS maintain a searchable Register of Chartered Surveyors.

The Association of Building Engineers (ABE) is a leading body for professionals specialising in the design, construction, evaluation and maintenance of building construction. You can search the ABE online register to find a building engineer near you.

Before choosing any professional advisor, you might want to think about:

• talking to a number who specialise in the type of work you are thinking of doing
• whether you want to work with a professional from a large, medium or small practice
• seeking a personal recommendation from family or friends

Application forms

Important notice: The forms below state that four copies of the submitted paperwork are required. We actually only require one copy for householder and minor planning applications. Please liaise with the Planning department to clarify the number of copies required for major planning applications.

The following processes can all be completed online at www.planningportal.gov.uk/apply.

For further information about choosing which application form is appropriate for your building project, visit the Planning Portal’s advice pages on application types.