Step 2 – Application and validation

We strongly recommend that you apply online through the Planning Portal where you will be advised of the documents you will need to submit and the correct fees, which means that your application is more likely to be validated.

Once submitted, applications are checked to ensure all documents and fees required are correct. View our Validation Checklist.

Please refer to our 'A Good Practice Guide' (non-major applications) for the roles, responsibilities and stages of planning applications.  

Any missing information will be requested before processing can start. We aim to decide most applications within eight weeks of receipt (13 weeks for major applications). In many cases, for more straightforward proposals, this can be between four and six weeks.

You will need to follow the guidance on planning viability assessments for planning applications.