Planning & building

They come under different regulations. When you carry out work to a property you may need to apply for planning permission. But you may also need building regulations approval.

Planning assesses the use of land or buildings, the appearance and highway access. Whether development is in line with local and national policies. Also, the impact that the work will have on the general environment or neighbours.
Building Control deals with the technical and construction details of building work. Assessing the health and safety of people in and around the building. It includes energy conservation and access or facilities for disabled people.

Building control

We ensure new and altered buildings comply with public health and safety rules.

Common planning questions

If you have a question about planning this is the best place to start.

View and comment on planning applications

Public Access is our planning register. Use it to view plans, decision notices and site history. Or submit your comments online.

Apply for planning permission

Find out how to submit a planning application and the cost. Check you have included the correct documents. View our validation checklist.

Do I need planning permission?

Find out whether you need planning permission for your proposal and what to do next. Including guidance on temporary pop-up campsites.

Pre-application service

Pre-application advice can provide guidance on whether planning permission is required, if proposals would be acceptable and flag any potential issues that may arise.

Tree surgeon up a tree trimming the branches

Trees works and preservation

Check if a tree is protected and find out how to apply for any works to trees or hedges.

Planning, monitoring and enforcement

Find out more about planning enforcement, how we deal with enforcement cases and how to report a breach of planning control.

The planning application process

Find out about the planning application process, View information on planning committees, public meetings and appeals.

Neighbourhood Planning

Find out about neighbourhood planning and the current and proposed neighbourhood plans. There is also a step-by-step guide and useful links to find out more.

Planning policy

Here you can find out about the planning policies that are used to assess planning applications and guide the location of future development in the county.

Studies, evidence, reports and guidance

This page provides details on a range of studies and background information relevant to informing planning applications and which may also be of value to other organisations and communities.

Conservation

Here you will find information about conservation services in Northumberland.

Guidance for small scale applications

Information, considerations and design advice on small scale development.

One side of a house shows it as a line drawing with it merging half way into a live photo of what the house looks like.

Self and custom housebuilding register

Information for people looking to find serviced plots of land to build their own home.

Land & premises

This page provides information on local search, maps and character assessments.

Section 106 agreements

Here you will find out about section 106 agreements.

Northumberland Association of Local Councils (NALC) Resources

Guidance and presentations created as part of Phase 1 of the NALC Briefing Programme in order to raise Parish and Town Councillors understanding of a range of planning topics.

Alerts

Planning & building

Top Tasks

Report Shrub Maintenance Problem

Report a Tree Problem

Find a planning application

Report an alleged breach of planning rules

Make a building control enquiry

Apply for planning permission via Planning Portal

Pay for a planning application

Planning appeal form

Pay for a pre-application enquiry (Do I need planning permission? etc)

Pre-application advice form

Submit comment on consultation

Pay for section 106 agreement

Apply for building notice

Apply for regularisation

Pay for copy of the Local Plan

Apply for listed building consent

Reporting a Breach

Services

What is the difference between building control and planning?