Submit a Planning Application
Apply online
We strongly encourage you to make your application online to help speed up the process.
Submit an online application via the Planning Portal.
Read the Planning Portal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Planning Portal: 0333 323 4589, which is available from 9am until 5pm
- Email support@planningportal.co.uk
Why you should make your planning application online
- Your application will be sent to Ashford on the same day
- You will receive instant email notification on receipt of electronic applications
- It speeds up the process at the council
- You can pay online through a secure website
- It's a paperless process
- There's online guidance to help you make your application
- There's useful tools to help you, for example volume and fee calculators
- There's a mapping service, so you can create a site location plan
What do I need to include with my application?
Depending on the type of application and the characteristics of the application site you will need to provide different types of information and supporting documentation. There is a core list of national requirements which apply in all cases. We may also need other information to explain the impacts of the proposal. Our Make Your Application Valid page advises on these requirements.
Submitting major planning applications
If your application includes a number of A1 or A0 size plans we will need one complete set (two if the site is in one of the parishes) of plans, drawings and supporting documents in paper format. If an Environmental Impact Assessment is needed, we will need three complete sets in paper format.
Find out more on our S106 Agreements and Unilateral Undertakings pages.
Other ways to apply
We would always recommend that you apply online but if you'd prefer to use the paper forms, you can still access them on the Planning Portal. Please note there will likely be a delay in your paper application being processed compared to submitting it online.
If you wish to access paper forms, all the forms are available to download as PDF documents which you can print out, complete and submit by post. View further details about making an application 'offline'.
Data protection
Ashford Borough Council (ABC) is the data controller for the personal information you provide on a planning application. ABC’s Data Protection Officer can be contacted at FOI@ashford.gov.uk. Your information will be used to process planning applications and processing is being conducted relying upon the public interest legal basis. Given the statutory status of the Register of Planning Applications, relevant regulations, and the public interest in making information on the processing of applications available, all information you provide on the application form and in any accompanying documents will normally be published on the council's website. Only telephone numbers, email contact details, and signatures, will be routinely blanked out. Personal sensitive information which is deemed necessary for the processing of the application will also not be published in the public domain but may be available in a redacted format on request. Your information will be retained as a permanent record on the planning register. Personal data will be held for as long as the application or any subsequent appeal is being considered. For more information on your rights please see the council’s privacy statement.
