Apply for planning permission

Make sure you’re applying for a property located in Cambridge.

The easiest way to apply online is through the Planning Portal website.

Planning Portal website

Some consent types are not available through the online system. You need to apply for these by post - follow the instructions below.

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

To apply in writing, download the form from the Planning Portal. Follow the on-screen instructions to find the relevant form.

When applying in writing, forms must be printed and sent by post or delivered by hand to us.

We require one copy of the form for householder and minor planning applications. Contact us to check the number of copies required for major planning applications.

Assemble the necessary documentation

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

You also need refer to the local list [PDF, 124kB], local supplementary list [PDF, 29kB] and acceptable file guidance [PDF, 29kB]. These contain further information that will be required to process your application.

Failure to submit a completed application form with all the required documents will result in your application being delayed. It's best to submit any information that relates to your application at the outset of your submission.

Calculate the fee

All fees need to be paid before an application can be considered. 

• Use the online fee calculator (Planning Portal) to work out the fee for your specific application.
• Or download the national planning fee sheet from the Planning Portal.

Pay

• You can pay online through the planning portal as you submit your application.
  If you for any reason you can't pay at the time you submit your application, you can call our Customer Service Centre: 01223 457200 to pay over the phone - you'll need the planning portal reference number given on your application.
• If you're sending in a printed application, include a cheque or call our Customer Service Centre to pay over the phone.

How we handle your personal data

We will publish the applicant’s names and address as these form part of the statutory planning register. We mask personal signatures, email addresses and phone numbers before the documents are published online.

Our privacy notices and retention policy [PDF, 0.7MB] provide information on how we collect, store and process your data within the Planning service. If you require a hard copy of the statement, contact us at applicationsupport@cambridge.gov.uk or phone 01223 457459.

If you notice something that causes you concern, contact us using the details above. Note the application reference number and document details and we will do our best to resolve the matter.

Submit the application

If you apply online through the Planning Portal, your application is transferred automatically to us.  

Paper applications should be sent to Planning Application Support, Cambridge City Council, PO BOX 700, Cambridge CB1 0JH.

We can't accept applications by email.

The application process

Full details can all be found on our planning process page, which includes:

• the planning application process
• how long it takes
• how the decision is made
• how you can attend and speak at a planning committee
• where and how application decisions are publicised
• starting your development or gaining further approval

Glossary of planning terms

The Planning Portal Glossary is a summary of phrases relating to land use and planning matters in England only. It covers a variety of issues ranging from new development and regeneration, to conservation and environmental protection.

• Validation checklists and guidance notes