Planning permission

After you submit your application, you will get updates in writing at key moments. You can also track the progress of your application on or planning search website.

The approval process

We have eight weeks to decide if your application is valid. For large or complex applications, we have 13 weeks. The time will start once the application is registered. This will happen after we confirm it to ensure all documents and payments are received.

You can appeal your planning application if it is not decided within eight weeks. 13 weeks for major developments, and 28 days for non-material amendments.

Find out more about appeals on our planning appeals page.

Site visit and assessment

A planning case officer might visit the site to assess the application.  If access is needed, they will contact you or the agent to arrange this. The officer will consider the planning policies. They will also consider consultation feedback. 

Recommendation and decision

The case officer will recommend either to approve or refuse the application in a report. The case officer does not make the final decision. 

Planning applications are determined in one of two ways: 

• delegated powers - a senior officer with authority from the planning committee.
• planning committee.

Delegated powers decide about 99% of applications. You have the right to appeal if your application is refused and if you do not believe the decision was correct.