Planning applications: a step by step guide

A step-by-step guide to what happens when you make a planning application.

1.Check whether you need planning permission: Not all developments need planning permission - find out if yours does. 

2. Get pre-application advice: If planning permission is needed, we recommend getting advice about your application from us. This helps identify and resolve possible issues that could affect your application and can help speed up the development process and minimise costs by avoiding wasted applications. 

3. Find out the planning fees you will need to pay: You need to pay a fee for most planning applications. Planning Portal guide to the fees for planning applications in England. 

4. Find out what to submit with your planning application: It is important to know which documents and plans you will need to include in your application. These are known as the Validation Requirements. Find out which documents and plans you will need to submit.

5. Submit the application: The easiest way to submit an application for planning permission is online at the Planning Portal.

You can also download forms to print to submit an application by post. Completed forms should be sent to:

Planning Services

2 Bristol Avenue

London NW9 4EW 

6. We validate and consult on your planning application: After we check that your application for planning permission contains all the information we need, we publish the application online and consult the public. The Planning Portal has more information on how decisions to grant or refuse planning permission are made. 

We aim to balance flexibility and formal process. Minor amendments to a proposal are usually accepted, providing no neighbour re-consultation is required. Major amendments may require a new application to ensure comprehensive evaluation and stakeholder engagement.  Substantial discussions about the acceptability of schemes should be undertaken at pre-application stage.

7. We tell you our decision: Decisions on planning applications (which include approval, approval with conditions or refusal) are informed by The Local Plan, Mayor's London Plan and national policy. A refused application can be appealed to the Planning Inspectorate. Find out more at What happens after an application is made