Planning News

Guidance for our customers on the Planning Service during Coronavirus (COVID-19).

There have been changes to how some of our services operate due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). For the latest up-to-date information please read our Planning Services Frequently Asked Questions - Covid-19 Guidance Document.

Questions and advice

Before contacting us please read the information on our planning webpages as these may answer your query. We cannot give you advice on whether or not permission is required over the phone or by email because it takes time and further detail to assess this properly, for step by step advice read our Do I need planning permission guidance.

For the protection of residents and staff the duty planner 'drop in' service is suspended. However the duty planner telephone service will be available from 10am - 2pm Monday to Friday via the Customer Services number 0345 600 6400. You may be asked to leave a message if the duty planner is on another call (or if you call outside of these times) so please include any application reference and your email address with your message so we can provide an informed response. 

To submit an application please see our Apply for Planning Permission page.

ALERT: Validation delays. We are currently experiencing high volumes of work and as a result there are currently delays with Validation. We are working hard to get through the back log. All applications that are deemed valid will be registered from the date the were recieved. Thank you for your patience 

Questions about specific applications should be directed to the Case Officer for that application. Their name can be found using the reference number on our Public Access system where you can also submit comments online. For anything else if you know the name of the person/team within Planning Services you need to contact please send your correspondence directly to them or view the email addresses for specific planning teams. If you are emailing us about a specific site or application please include the address/reference number so we can find it.

The Government announced on 25 June 2020 that it is simplifying certain planning and licensing controls for outdoor seating and stalls, making it easier for people to safely drink and dine outside. 

This is intended, subject to certain restrictions, to be a boost to businesses. These changes will remove the need for a planning application for outdoor markets and marquees, meaning they can be set up for longer; and provide more freedoms for areas to hold car-boot sales and summer fairs. View the Business and Planning Bill. 

Further guidance and  legislation will be issued shortly by the Government. If any business is considering making use of the new flexibilities they need to contact Planning Services at planning@northumberland.gov.uk as soon as possible and before they make any changes to how their property is used. We will put you in touch with the Licensing Team if this is also required when you ask us about Planning requirements.