Planning application process
Planning application validation
In April 2022, we adopted an updated set of local requirements for validation criteria of planning applications and a set of validations checklists to assist you when completing your planning application.
Local requirements are additional to the national requirements that are set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure)(England) Order 2015.
Design and Access statements and plans are needed for many planning applications and further guidance is available on the Planning Portal and Government websites:
- Buy a planning map on the Planning Portal
- Flood risk assessment for planning applications on GOV.UK
- Coal mining risk assessments for planning applications on GOV.UK
- National information requirements for planning applications on GOV.UK.
Other organisations such as the Environment Agency, United Utilities and the Coal Board have information which can help you when preparing a valid application.
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Planning application refusals and appeals
You have a right to appeal if planning permission is refused.
If you are unhappy or unclear about the reasons we give for refusing planning permission, please discuss these with the planning officer who dealt with your application. In some cases a change in your plans might make a difference.
If an application is refused, you can submit one modified scheme without a fee within 12 months of the date of the first decision or if withdrawn within 12 months of the date of submission.
If you're aggrieved by the decision of your local planning authority to refuse permission for the proposed development or to grant it subject to conditions, then you can appeal to the Secretary of State for the Environment under Section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. However, appeals are intended as a last resort and can take several months to decide. It is often quicker to discuss with us whether changes to your proposal would make it acceptable.
If you want to appeal a decision, you can submit an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate and you must do so within:
- 6 months of the date of the decision for full applications
- 12 weeks of the date of decision for householder applications
- 8 weeks of the date of the decision for an advertisement consent.
If you have not received a decision, you can appeal for up to 6 months from the date your decision was due to arrive using the Planning Inspectorate's appeal service.