Find answers to common queries or contact details for our teams here.
If you have looked through the planning web pages and the FAQs below and these still do not answer your query, you can contact us by phone or by email using the details lower down this page.
Please view the Trees and Hedges section of our website to find out what is meant by a protected tree, if your tree is protected and how to apply for any proposed works.
The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) puts uses of land and buildings into various categories known as 'Use Classes' which are detailed on the Planning Portal use classes page. The current use class of a building / land can usually be determined from the last application that was approved for that site. Search for the site and view the planning application history on our Public Access system. If you are unsure about the address or are looking for land try using the Map Search instead. Some changes of use do not require planning permission, these are listed on the Planning Portal changes of use not requiring planning permission page. However some proposals allowed under permitted development are subject to prior-approval from the planning authority. If you are still unsure if you need permission or what the current use class is and want Planning Services to advise then you will need to submit a Pre-application enquiry so we can look into the history of the site. If you think you do need permission you will need to pay the correct fee and make an application. There are specific prior approval forms if the change does come under prior approval. If not you will need to use the full planning consent form or the outline planning consent form. You may also need listed building consent in addition to these.
If you are contacting us about a specific site or application please provide the address/planning reference number so we can find it and deal with your query more efficiently. Questions about specific applications should be directed to the Case Officer for that application. Their name can be found on our Public Access system using the reference number.
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