What happens after I submit my planning application?
You will receive updates in writing at key moments throughout your application’s journey. You can also track the progress of your application in the planning portal.
The approval process
We have eight weeks (or 13 weeks for large or complex applications) to decide if your application is valid. The time will start once the application has been registered this will happen after we have validated the application to ensure all the documents and payments have been received.
You have a right to appeal your planning application if it is not decided within a set period (usually eight weeks, or 13 weeks for major developments and 28 days for non-material amendment applications).
Read more information about appeals on our planning appeals page.
Site visit and assessment
In some instances, the planning case officer will visit the site as a part of their assessment of the application. If access is required, they will contact the applicant or agent to arrange this.
The officer will consider planning policies and consultation feedback.
Recommendation and decision
The case officer will make a recommendation to either ‘approve’ or ‘refuse’ the application in an officer’s report. The case officer does not make the final decision.
Planning applications are determined in one of two ways:
- delegated powers - a senior officer who has delegated authority from the planning committee
- planning committee
Delegated powers are used to determine approximately 99% of applications.
Applicants have the right to appeal if their application is refused and they do not believe the decision was correct.