Below you will find links to a variety of our general planning advice webpages and guidance notes. These are listed A-Z.
You can find links to other specific guidance, on our main Planning Advice and Guidance page or related content on this page. (For example, planning policy or historic environment guidance)
Additional development guidance
Guidance for:
- agricultural buildings (including Class Q)
- annexes
- use classes
- Fire Service access and facilities
What you can do and when you need to apply for advertisement consent
Search for an appeal, when to appeal, how to submit, the process and decision
A quick walk through the application process from frontscreening to the decision, and how to complain
Article 4s give extra planning controls in an area. Check if your property is affected.
Planning, premises and pre-application advice, working from home and advice for farmers
How to complain about a planning application, and common issues raised
Types of constraints affecting development and a link to internet mapping to view constraint areas
How to set up and use our Consultee Access system and links to the online planning register
When a design and access statement is needed and how to write one
Discharging planning conditions
Make a request to discharge a condition, fees/charges and exceptions
What Members can do in planning, controls and responsibilities and the Planning Protocol for Members
Advice if you think that an evergreen high hedge is harming the enjoyment of your property, home or garden, and how to complain to the Council
Submitting a householder planning application, ecology advice for eaves and roofs
How planning applications are decided
Decisions made by officers (delegated decisions) and those that go to Area or Strategic Planning Committees
How to respond to planning applications
Commenting on a planning application - what to include and what is relevant
Lawful Development Certificates
What is a Lawful Development Certificate, how to apply for one and how to appeal
Notification and publicity of planning and related applications
Our statutory duty, the different ways we publicise applications and how to view planning applications
What is permitted development ('PD') and how to find out if your development is or is not PD, planning and ecology, PD changes since 2020
Planning performance agreements
A Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) helps manage the planning process. Find out the advantages, and how to submit a PPA notification form
Useful links to find out about planning in your area and how to apply for planning permission
Revisions and amendments to planning applications
What we will accept as an amendment, amendment criteria and non-material amendments after a planning decision has been made
Section 106 planning obligations
They make development acceptable which would otherwise be unacceptable in planning terms - how they are used and the process
Solar panels and planning permission
Solar installations, roof and wall mounted, and standalone, and remember Building Regulations
Trees in development, Trees and the environment, and Protected and Dangerous Trees
Link to the 2023 Validation Guide, the latest updates and extra help for a smooth submission
We offer a number of advice services for developers, applicants and agents to help cut through the red tape