Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) must follow and adopt robust procedures for the processing of planning and related applications. Some of these are absolute, prescribed by legislation; others are less clear and beyond the legislative elements generally follow custom and practice, as guided by case law and ombudsman decisions.
These pages provide summaries of legislative requirements, as well as best practice guidance for the processing of applications. It is predominantly aimed at helping LPAs to adopt lean processes and strike the right balance in terms of customer service. These pages therefore also help applicants, their agents and interested parties in understanding the reasons why a LPA might require further time to determine applications and so forth.
Pre-application advice
Before the application is made
Retrospective applications
Registering the application
Checking whether the application is valid/complete
Carrying out publicity
Consultation versus notification
Amendment of proposal
Assessing the proposal
Delegated or not?
Conditions and informatives
Planning obligations
Reasons for refusal
Making an appeal
Appeal procedures
Revised proposals
Varying or removing planning conditions
Non-material minor amendments
Slot in, slot out permissions
Monitoring of permissions and development
Enforcement in planning
Investigating breaches of planning control