Planning & building

Here you will find information about applying for planning permission and policy, building control services and county conservation.

Services

Alert - biodiversity net gain

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) becomes mandatory for minor development applications submitted on or after 2 April. This includes:
  • Development of 1 to 9 residential dwellings. Or if this is unknown, the site area is less than 0.5 hectares.
  • Commercial floor space created of less than 1,000 square metres. Or the total site area is less than 1 hectare.
Please see note 15 of our validation checklist for more detail. BNG is already mandatory for major development applications.

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Building control

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

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Common planning questions

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

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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.

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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.

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Do I need planning permission?

Find out whether you need planning permission for your proposal and what to do next.

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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.

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Trees works and preservation

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

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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.

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The planning application process

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Conservation

Here you will find information about conservation services in Northumberland.

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Guidance for small scale applications

Information, considerations and design advice on small scale development.

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Self and custom housebuilding register

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

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Land & premises

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

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Section 106 agreements

Here you will find out about section 106 agreements.

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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.

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